Delivered on time and to a very high standard satisfying the needs of RSPB.
Working in partnership, Barton Plant, RSPB and Hanson Aggregates created a 700 ha wetland haven for birds. The ongoing restoration at Needingworth sand and gravel quarry, Cambridgeshire will be completed in phases over the next 30 years and will include the largest reed bed in the UK. Each phase amounts to between 20-40 ha.
Barton were involved in stripping the topsoils, overburden and sub-soils from each phase exposing the sand and gravel for extraction. The materials were placed into a carefully designed and profiled landscape on the previous extraction area. A new clay channel was also formed around the perimeter of the restoration area using materials gained from below the extracted sands and gravels. The proposed wetlands habitat progresses and matures each year whilst allowing continuity of sand and gravel production.
Public access to the area is maintained throughout and the habitat continues to attract many different species of wildlife. The general maintenance is carefully monitored by the client and other stakeholders such as the RSPB. The works were timed to allow for nesting sand martins. The project was complicated by unusually high water levels in the area and in the River Ouse nearby.
Hanson Aggregates have an excellent reputation for it’s quarry management programmes and it’s biodiversity projects. The project proved to be very successful, was delivered on time to a very high specification and to the complete satisfaction of the RSPB.
