Conserving the UK’s biodiversity is an essential element in sustainable development. Planning authorities, Government and the general public expect industry to play its part – and the bulk minerals industry is already among the leaders in showing how this can be done.

Given the large areas of land managed by mineral companies, operations must be planned and managed carefully in order to minimise adverse effects, and to maximise the positive. Sensitive site restorations offer the greatest opportunities for habitat and species enhancement, but a lot can be done also throughout the whole operations cycle.

Check through the following for more information on the relationship between the UK BAP and mineral companies’ operations:

• Habitat and Species especially relevant to mineral working. Click here.
• Opportunities for the minerals industries to enhance habitats. Click here.

For information on partnerships and initiatives already in place, move to:

• Lead partners for delivery of published species and habitat action plans. Click here.
• Database of Local Biodiversity Action Plan initiatives around the UK. Click here.
• Review of Local Biodiversity Action Plan initiatives in the SEEDA region. Click here.

Alien or non-native species are a concern for quarry managers at all stages of operations – from mineral extraction to restoration and aftercare. This subject is covered in detail by the Applied Vegetation Dynamics Laboratory, whose website gives a core of background information regarding problem species, as well as detail on management strategies and control techniques. The overall aim is to produce a ‘Management Toolkit’, which will help in developing strategies for dealing with invasive alien species.