Environment
Photo Gallery
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:
Wetland Restoration
Project to re-create a wetland area, which was once present on the site
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 of this project is to re-create a wetland area, which was once present on the site. This will not only provide a habitat for the Great Crested Newt (Triturus cristatus) which is protected under EC Habitats Directive 1992, but will comply with the Biodiversity Action Plan targets set for the Longcliffe estate.
Management for the Wetland restoration will be integrated into the quarry wide Biodiversity Action Plan.
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The site is approximately 8 acres. Due to reed encroachment and lack of management the former settling pond has dried up. The site has previously known to hold an area of open water and records of Great Crested Newts were found on the site until 1996. |
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In late 2011 seven trial pits were dug, to indicate the water holding capability of the soil, as well as the potential water quality. The ponds were created of varied size and depth to see the effect of any of the variations. |
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There is ongoing management of the wetland. Annual surveying of amphibians and vegetation will be collated and monitored. |
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During the first year of restoration four out of seven ponds were inhabited by indicator species, theses included Broad-leaved Pondweed (Potamogeton natans), Soft Rush (Juncus effuses), Yellow Flag Iris (Iris pseudacorus), Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), Common Duckweed (Lemna minor) |
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Wetland Restoration 2012. |
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The Common Spotted Orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii) is found throughout the vegetation surrounding the wetland. |
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Frogs, Toads and Smooth newts (Lissotriton vulgaris) and Leeches have been recorded in and around the wetland. Great Crested newts have also colonised on the site. Annual surveying will occur to monitor any changes in populations. |
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.
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The monitoring and management of the grassland trials will continue. They are providing Longcliffe with knowledge on suitable hay meadow restoration for the future. |
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Data suggests the higher the proportion of topsoil in the substrate mix, the higher the species diversity and vigour of plant growth. Ground cover and soil stability on site has continued to increase. |
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The range of species in the un-seeded compartment of the test plot has experienced a much higher range of species than in the seeded compartment. This is likely to be down to a fewer species dominating the seeded area. The main species to dominate are Oxeye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare). |
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.
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The Longcliffe estate has an ongoing environmental management plan. Research work conducted by scholars from Harper Adams University throughout woodland areas, had aided the addition of a woodland management plan. This is continually updated with new research and management goals. |
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Woodland management continues with the thinning of mixed species in high priority woodlands. The aim is to allow the woodland to develop whilst maintaining its screening values. This management technique had seen visible improvements to woodland structure, landscape character, biodiversity and screening value. |
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).
11/08/2011 – The four acre field sown this spring has been topped recently to control the rapid growth of annual weeds and to encourage grass growth. There is now good ground cover considering the poor growing conditions this year. We look forwrd to the continued development of the hay meadow through the autumn.
19/04/2011 – The four acres of land previously worked down to create a seedbed has now been sown with the hay meadow seed and has been rolled in. We eagerly await the results of our work.
05/04/2011 – Four acres of land with the topsoil removed has been worked down to create a seedbed through the use of chain harrows. Large stones and rocks have been removed to aid future mangement of the site. Sowing of the hay meadow seed is expected to be later in the week, weather permitting.
06/01/2011 – Another area of land from which topsoil has been removed has been identified as another potential site for hay meadow creation in the spring of 2011. This site will also aid overall quarry restoration knowledge.
06/01/2011 – The hay meadow restoration project has been put on hold until spring 2011 due to weather conditions and weed control issues on the proposed site.
07/09/2010 – Seed collected after being processed
07/09/2010 – Seed harvested from Hartington Meadows
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.
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.
Natural Chemistry...Pure Science
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