Environment
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Current Environmental Projects
As a part of our on-going environmental management programme, we are committed to ensuring that our activities both protect and wherever possible enhance biodiversity in the Peak District and surrounding countryside. Current projects underway to reduce our environmental impact include:
Grassland Establishment Trials
Project run in conjunction with Harper Adams University College
This is a research project run in conjunction with the annual academic scholarship awarded by Longcliffe to a Countryside and Environmental Management student at Harper Adams University College.
The objective is to establish the most practical, effective and viable option to re-create species rich hay meadow grassland. The findings will also help towards restoring the steeper scree slopes and terrain that will be created as quarrying operations draw to a close.
The trials have been designed to take into account local conditions which include recovery of the waste stone and clay substrates that come out of the quarrying process.
12/07/2010 – Annual monitoring will continue. Management to trials to begin at the end of July.
12/07/2010 – Data gathered and report published. Findings will help with restoration program.
09/06/2010 – Summer report due to begin 9th June
15/03/2010 – Interim report published
Hay Meadow Restoration
Project to restore former silage fields to traditional hay meadow pasture
This restoration project involves 5.7 hectares of former silage fields that are to be re-seeded and managed as traditional hay meadow pasture.
The goal is to not only re-create an endangered species rich habitat, but to create a seed resource to help toward Longcliffe's future restoration projects.
Hay meadows were once a common sight across much of Derbyshire, but most have disappeared in recent years through agricultural intensification. This habitat supports a wide range of wildlife including ground nesting birds, invertebrates, small mammals and a wide range of flora. Hay Meadows are a National Priority Habitat under UK HAP’s (UK Habitat Action Plans).
12/07/2010 – 0.2 hectares to be managed and improved from current state, 1.2 hectares set for complete restoration.
01/06/2010 – Date set for field assessment. (species identification)
25/05/2010 – Outline management plan for hay meadow restoration
24/05/2010 – Grassland areas designated for restoration
Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP)
A company wide BAP is being created to provide the framework for our restoration programme
A company wide BAP (Biodiversity Action Plan) is being created in conjunction with Peak Ecology with some funding assistance from the Aggregate Levy Sustainability Fund.
The first step created phase 1 habitat assessments of Longcliffe’s estate. These identified areas of interest worthy of further investigation. A steering group has been formed composed of local and regional Non Government Organisations and Environmental bodies including organisations such as the Peak District National Park Authority, Natural England and the Wildlife Trust.
Once complete the BAP will provide the framework for completion of the restoration programme.
24/04/2010 – Site visit with steering group
Woodland Management
Project to create a sustainable woodland management programme
This is a research project run in conjunction with the annual academic scholarship awarded by Longcliffe to a Countryside and Environmental Management student at Harper Adams University College.
The aim of this project is to create a sustainable woodland management programme that complements local woodlands, benefits local wildlife and links the surrounding countryside on a landscape scale. There are several different structures, ages and species of woodland on the Longcliffe estate providing a rich variety of habitats.
The eventual outcome is to integrate the Woodland Management Plan into the quarry wide Biodiversity Action Plan.
Carbon Footprint
Project to calculate the Company's carbon footprint and minimise emissions
Longcliffe is very proud of its ‘green’ credentials. To emphasise this Longcliffe is seeking accreditation from the Carbon Trust Standard. This involves calculating the company's Carbon Footprint, identifying emissions outlets and actively reducing them year on year.
Targeted reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption will result in improved efficiencies and show Longcliffe's contribution to tackling climate change.
09/06/2010 – Board Meeting to discuss Carbon Trust Accreditation
Natural Chemistry...Pure Science
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