Biodiversity
Hard Rock Case Study

Clawthorpe Fell National Nature Reserve & Holme Park Quarry Local Nature Reserve
Aggregate Industries / English Nature

At Holme Park Quarry in Cumbria, areas of considerable nature conservation value within the Company's landholding have recently been designated national and local nature reserves.

Clawthorpe Fell National Nature Reserve and Holme park Quarry Local Nature Reserve are directly adjacent to the working quarry, which produces high quality limestone aggregates. A partnership developed by Cumbria County Council, English Nature, Aggregate Industries and the local community helped create the reserves from areas previously within the Company's permitted extraction area, a move which has already reaped huge rewards for local biodiversity.

The site comprises priority habitats in both local and UK BAPs, including limestone pavement, calcareous grassland and pockets of ancient woodland. The habitats in turn support local and UK priority species, such as the high brown and pearl-bordered fritillary butterflies, which are very rare.

The company is very proud of its achievement and will continue its involvement in the conservation of the sites. English Nature now manage the National Nature Reserve while the Local Nature Reserve is dedicated to the community for them to enjoy.