Quarry restoration

Bestwood II Quarry

Restoration is an integral part of how we operate at Bestwood II Quarry and is central to our proposals at Bestwood II. We will continue to progressively restore land as extraction moves forward, ensuring the site is gradually returned to diverse habitats such as:

  • Woodland and shrub planting with a variety of native species.
  • Heathland and acid grassland for specialist plants and invertebrates.
  • Sandstone faces cut to encourage vegetation and nesting.
  • Boundary woodland maintained and enhanced, creating wildlife corridors and visual screening.
  • A managed aftercare programme to ensure habitats establish successfully.

    • This approach to restoration, alongside the way the site team manages our operations means we already support wildlife to thrive on the site, including:

  • Ravens and peregrine falcons nesting on quarry cliff faces.
  • Sand martins burrowing into sandy banks.
  • Butterflies and insects feeding on wildflowers and deadwood.
  • Deer roaming across restored areas.

    • The delivery of the restoration scheme would not require the importation of any materials meaning the restoration of the site would not be subject to any delays nor would the restoration activities generate additional lorry movements.

    Read more about sustainability at Tarmac

    A successful track record across the Midlands

    In other parts of the Midlands, we have been responsible for many successful restoration schemes, with many new habitats being created. Wildlife reserves have been created in Nottinghamshire at former Tarmac sites, including Langford Lowfields and Besthorpe Nature Reserve. In Staffordshire, former gravel workings at the still functioning Alrewas Quarry have been transformed into the National Memorial Arboretum.