Lafarge Aggregates Limited

Objective

Creation of fen vegetation complementary to existing biological resource in adjacent protected area.

Context

Dry Rigg Quarry is located within the Yorkshire Dales National Park and immediately adjacent to the protected area of Swarth Moor SSSI. The restoration scheme involves the creation of a landform to support fen vegetation, associated water management and introduction of species. This type of targeted restoration has not been carried out previously.

Solution

A part of the quarry formerly supporting stockpiles was identified as a trial area (Phase 1 Restoration Area) where, following the creation of a suitable landform, experimentation was undertaken to investigate the methods and species to be used in the restoration of the nmain quarry. Two plant communities characteristic of the area and ground conditions were chosen and characteristic species were propagated from seed and plant fragments at a supply nursery for introduction. Trials were undertaken in 2007.

In 2018, the project was still on-going, the fen was created and annual monitoring continues to be undertaken.

Result

The trials successfully demonstrated that the target species could be propagated on a large scale, direct introduction of species was an appropriate means of eastablishing the target plant communities, and indicated the importance of hydrological control. All species established and to date over 30 species are present within the area. Since its formation in 2006, the Phase 1 Area supports a range of plant & animal species including stoneworts (Chara sp.) - national BAP priority species, seven species of breeding bird and a population of great crested newts of regional and national importance.

Partners

Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority

Natural England

Consultant Plant Ecologist