Tarmac

The Tarmac Group is the market leader in aggregates, mortar, concrete block and asphalt and number two in ready-mixed concrete in the United Kingdom. More than 10.000 people are employed with Tarmac. In 2003 Tarmac celebrated its 100th birthday. Berwick Woods is located 2.5 km to the north east of Rainham in the London Borough of Havering. It has played a significant role in the extraction of sand and gravel from the mid 1950s. The Berwick Woods Project was set up in 1995 as a pioneering initiative by Tarmac in partnership with Thames Chase which transformed the derelict sand and gravel site into an attractive area of nature. The restoration has enhanced the attractions and accessibility of the site. From the beginning Tarmac and Thames Chase pursued the objective to involve and engage the local community in the whole restoration process. The Berwick Woods Project’s emphasis on the arts led to the engagement of artists of national reputation. Artist Steven Follen designed the unique ‘gabion’ seats which reflect the industrial history of the site. Local children worked together with the artists to achieve the Integration of art into the process of environmental improvement. A main theme of the restoration project was to facilitate public access. The installation of footpaths, foot bridges, signage, new entrances and car parking facilities. Educational visits to the site, community tree planting days and events and projects that have been organized over the year are some examples of successful involvement and engagement and have led to a special relationship of local people to the site.