Biodiversity project at Horton quarry scoops top prize

A research project looking at increasing biodiversity through grazing in limestone habitats at our Horton quarry, in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, has won the UK research stream of Heidelberg Materials’ Quarry Life Award.

The project, carried out by Dr Carly Stevens, Professor of Plant Ecology and Soil Biogeochemistry at Lancaster University, claimed the £4,000 prize at an awards ceremony held at Heidelberg Material UK’s head office in Maidenhead.

Sustainable limestone pavement management

The project investigated whether summer or winter grazing is more effective in promoting the biodiversity of rare limestone pavement habitats found in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. It will run for several more years to provide the research team with insight into how to best manage these pavements.
Dr Carly Stevens said: “Receiving this award is absolutely fantastic, and will help us build the profile of the research we’re doing on limestone pavements to protect this rare and vulnerable habitat.”

The Quarry Life Award was first established in 2011 to support and increase biodiversity at quarry sites, strengthen communication channels with neighbours and educate and raise awareness about the importance of nature and habitats.

Promoting biodiversity in quarries

Marian Garfield, Sustainability Director at Heidelberg Materials UK, said: “We recognise that our sites are a valuable natural resource, and the study at Horton provides valuable information on how we can improve biodiversity through conservation.”

There is also a community stream of the competition, aimed at individuals, community groups and schools, to help quarry sites better connect with neighbours. The winning project was the Bug Big Build, which created a bug hotel shaped like a quarry truck that serves as a habitat for a variety of insects that are vital for a healthy ecosystem at Batts Combe quarry in Cheddar.

The UK Quarry Life Award runners-up

• Stuck in the mud: Quarry lake sediments as long-term pollution traps at Barton quarry, Loughborough University.
• Exploring the implications of seed mix choice on the restoration of biodiverse grasslands at Grange Top quarry in Ketton, Cranfield University.
• What’s the best restoration? A survey, analysis and evaluation of restoration opportunities at Glebe Farm, Bubbenhall quarry, Warwickshire Wildlife Trust Dunsmore Living Landscape Scheme.
• Rocks, humans, nature – stone circle pilgrims at Bulls Lodge quarry, sculptor Billie Bond and photographer, Angus Stewart.

Horton quarry is situated within the Yorkshire Dales National Park and has been producing limestone and high-quality gritstone since 1889. The site recently reopened its rail link, which connects with the Settle to Carlisle railway line, allowing it to supply construction projects across the north west, while reducing vehicle movements on the roads and cutting the associated carbon emissions.