Sibelco UK

Objective

Restoration of a former quarry for agricultural use.

Context

The project formed part of a larger site restoration scheme, the first phase of which had collected a Quarry Products Association Award in the late 1980s. The project was completed and no longer owned.

Solution

Restoration of the New Platt Wood site began in the summer of 1994 in association with the landowner. The 5.4 acre plot was returned primarily to agricultural land with a lake occupying one corner.

The land has since successfully produced good quality arable crops, cereals and potatoes.

Swathes of new woodland now merge naturally with established areas including a range of native species. The lake, its margins having been seeded with a special wildflower mix, now provides for fishing and also acts as a stand-by irrigation reservoir.

Result

The New Platt Wood project collected a coveted Restoration Award from the Quarry Products Association in 2001.

This project provides a good example of what can be achieved when mineral companies and planning departments co-operate.

Although not large, the 5.4 hectare site has been restored to a small lake, the majority being to agriculture. The five-year aftercare period has resulted in an area greatly improved for agriculture and re-graded so well with the surrounding countryside.