CEMEX UK

Objective

To protect the peregrine falcons.

Context

Carrowdore Quarry is home to a pair of peregrines who have returned to the quarry to nest every year since 2003. In September 2006, CEMEX, alongside the Rapture Study Group and Quarry Products Association (QPANI), implemented a project aimed at maintaining and striving to improve the Quarry as a habitat for a number of wildlife species, with a specific emphasis placed upon peregrine falcons.

Solution

CEMEX, along with Raptor Study Group, invested a considerable amount of money and time into this venture. As part of this programme, a webcam was inserted into the peregrines’ nest in order to monitor the falcons’ progress. A website streaming live images was also launched to utilise this unique opportunity to closely observe such rare birds of prey and their chicks. The footage is accessible from: http://www.bbc.co.uk/northernireland/raptors/carrowdore.shtml.

The Raptor Study Group and the QPA have continuous access to the site which enables them to constantly monitor the falcons. Employees also regularly monitored the falcons.

David Edwards, a CEMEX employee, received advanced training on peregrines; while all Quarry staff were educated on the importance of preserving the falcons’ habitat. The Company and all employees agreed that it was imperative that everyone understood the importance of protecting not only this endangered species but other wildlife as well.

Over the last year pupils from Carrowdore Primary and teacher Robin Quinlan visited the Quarry. The children made models, drew pictures, made a DVD and wrote stories about the falcons and other wildlife in quarry. Laverne Bell (QPA) and Pat Connor (CEMEX Quarry Manager) regularly visited the school and viewed the work the children carried out.

Result

There are less than 500 pairs of breeding peregrine falcons across Ireland and a conservation project such as at the site in Carrowdore provides a greater opportunity for the species to increase as it utilises the cliffs created by in-land quarries. Overall, the project in Carrowdore has been a great success and has afforded the Company the opportunity to help provide a safe habitat for wildlife while establishing relationships with the local community.

Partners

Rapture Study Group

Quarry Products Association Northern Ireland (QPANI)