Across our sites we continue to work to our biodiversity plan which was published in 2008. Each year we publish an update to show progress against each objective. This page details our progress up to and including 2010.
Objective 1
Integrating our site plans with landscape scale conservation programmes by the end of 2008.
Progress: We continue to work to support and promote the Wildlife Trust’s Living Landscapes including funding the Charnwood Forest (Leicestershire) Living Landscape co-ordinator. We are also working with the RSPB on their Futurescapes project.
Objectives 2 & 3
Achieving a measurable positive contribution and progress at Tier One (key) sites.
Progress: Our progress at Tier One sites is now intermittently updated on our website.
Objective 4
Establish, maintain and report publicly a set of criteria for tier one classification by the end of 2008. (Objective complete)
Progress: These are maintained on our website.
Objective 5
Achieve certification to Biodiversity Benchmark at all tier 1 sites by the end of 2009.
Progress: All currently operational Tier One sites are working towards completing the requirements for the Biodiversity Benchmark. Two more have achieved this accolade during 2010 becoming the first sites in Scotland.
Objective 6
On sites without formal plans, identify key local BAP species suitable for conservation or protection by the end of 2009.
Progress: Sites are keeping their records up to date and working with local groups where possible.
Objective 7
Obtain 80% in favourable status on legally designated sites by the end of 2012.
Progress: Of the biological SSSI’s wholly within our landholdings, 100% are now at favourable or unfavourable recovering. Of those partially within our landholdings, 60% are at a positive status with 20% still having no information from Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) or Countryside Council for Wales (CCW).
Objective 8
Use our Geographical Information System capability to record and show our status and work with the National Biodiversity Network on appropriate reporting methods by the end of 2009.
Progress: The NBN Gateway has significant records of surveys on Aggregate Industries sites. We are working with NBN and the Institute of Ecologists and Environmental Managers (IEEM) to standardise recording methods to make uploading information easier for Biological Records Centres to upload.
Objective 9
Working with key partners, support and promote biodiversity as a key environmental challenge.
National: We held a number of events during 2010 where, as partners, we promoted the International Year of Biodiversity. A case study based on one of our sites has been included in the international TEEB for Business report and data from our Bardon Hill planning application has permitted a more in-depth study into offsetting, presented to the UK Government early in 2011.
Regional: We have representatives on three regional biodiversity forums.
Local: Biodiversity is a routine topic at site open days, planning application exhibitions and other community activities, such as the open days at Greystones and Westleigh quarries.