Improving habitats with Lancashire wildlife trust and the biodiversity of our plants

The Background

Once a staple of British spring and summertime, recent years have seen a dramatic decline in pollinator species, such as bees and butterflies, with some the rarest species, worryingly, nearing extinction.

The Problem

In fact, it is estimated that some wild bee species suffered a 32% population decline in the UK between 2002 and 2011 and more than three-quarters of Britain’s 59 butterfly species have declined over the last 40 years.

The Solution

As part of its continued work with Butterfly Conservation, a British charity devoted to saving butterflies, moths and their habitats throughout the UK, this spring saw Aggregate Industries take action to help reduce this decline on two of its Northern quarries.

Working with the charity and Cumbria Wildlife Trust, the businesses identified and mapped out a plan to vastly enhance its existing pollinator banks at its Back Lane and Holme Park Fell quarry operations by adding plants and seed, and cutting away scrub, in a bid to be as ‘pollinator friendly’ as possible and attract an ever wider range of species.<

During the course of Aggregate Industries’ ‘wildflower day’ numerous team members and volunteers from Butterfly Conservation came together to plant various different plants and seed varieties across both quarries.

Importantly, the activity undertaken thus far has cost Aggregate Industries a little over £300, covering the cost of plants and seeds but will have a dramatic positive effect on local species – a testament to the fact conservation success doesn’t have to cost the earth.

Phil Jackson, Biodiversity & Restoration Advisor (North) at Aggregate Industries said: “Aggregate industries is committed to managing our impact on nature within our industry and that biodiversity is protected and enhanced, where practicable, throughout our operations. It is vital we build and improve on this as we look to achieve positive change for biodiversity.

“We believe that our improved pollinator banks at Back Lane and Holme Park quarries is a positive step towards this – we look forward to welcoming even more species in the coming weeks.”<

This latest activity will be followed by subsequent monitoring visits on both quarries to ascertain plant establishment and the level of pollinators and butterflies, with plans for further enhancements later in the year.<

Martin Wain, Conservation Officer at the Butterfly Conservation, added: “We had a great day planting plug plants with the staff from the quarry – our volunteers really enjoy working in this exciting and dramatic environment. We look forward to seeing the fruits of all this labour as we continue to work with Aggregate Industries at both quarries.”