Environment and Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny - PDF document

Environment and Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee 26 th September 2013 Limestone Landscapes - visit to Thrislington and Raisby Quarries Joint report of Lorraine O’Donnell, Assistant Chief Executive and Terry Collins, Corporate Director, Neighbourhoods Purpose of the Report 1 To provide Members of the Environment and Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee with supporting information in advance of a presentation on Limestone Landscapes within County Durham and details of a recent visit undertaken by members of the committee to Thrislington and Raisby quarries. Background 2 In July 2011 the Environment and Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee received an overview presentation on the Limestone Landscapes Programme and the work of the Limestone Landscapes Partnership within County Durham. Following the presentation it was suggested that the committee would receive a further update when appropriate on the development of the project. 3 At the meeting of the Environment and Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on the 21 st June, 2013 members considered the refresh of the committee’s work programme for 2013 -2015. As part of the refresh of the work programme it was agreed by members that a visit should be undertaken by the committee to Limestone Landscapes within County Durham so that members could see ‘first hand’ the development work undertaken by Durham County Council and partners in relation to the Limestone Landscapes Programme. 4 Accordingly, arrangements were made for a visit to be undertaken on the 10 th July, 2013 to Thrislington and Raisby quarries providing an opportunity for members to see various flora and vegetation, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and butterflies that inhabit the sites and to receive information on the work undertaken including the aftercare conditions and opportunities for further development in the future. 5 The feedback from those members, who attended the visit on the 10 th July, 2013 was very positive and it was therefore thought appropriate that a presentation be given to the committee at the meeting on the 26 th September, 2013 providing an overview on the

Limestone Landscapes together with information and photographs from the visit undertaken by the Committee. 6 Arrangements have therefore been made for Tony Devos, Limestone Landscapes Programme Manager to attend the September meeting of the Committee to do a short presentation focusing on the following: • The importance of the globally unique Magnesian Limestone Grassland communities • Thrislington National Nature Reserve – one of the ecological crown jewels of the region • Opportunities for the restoration of the Thrislington Quarry • Raisby Quarry an example of where we are already restoring grassland habitat and utilising it as a place to interpret the geology Limestone Landscapes Programme - background 7 The three key drivers behind the programme were the European Landscape Convention, the Natural Environment White paper which looked at how fragmented habitats were joined together and finally the lessons learned and best practice derived from past projects. 8 The Magnesian Limestone Plateau is a wide area stretching almost from the Tyne to Tees and from the coast to central Durham. The area is unique, with common themes and patterns in the landscape and strong links between natural and cultural heritage. 9 The Limestone Landscape Programme is driven by a Limestone Landscape Partnership (an initiative led by Durham County Council and Natural England) which developed between 2007 and 2010 and is made up of a broad range of local authorities, public, voluntary and private sector organisations that are committed to making a positive difference in the quality of life and unique natural environment of the Durham Magnesian Limestone Plateau National Character Area. The programme area covers parts of East Durham, Sunderland, South Tyneside, Hartlepool and Darlington. 10 The project work is delivered by a combination of 9 key delivery partners and is overseen by a core team based at Durham County Council. The work is also overseen and scrutinised by a Programme Board. 11 In December 2010, it was confirmed by the Heritage Lottery Fund that the submission by the Limestone Landscape Partnership (Durham) to the Landscape Partnership had been successful which unlocked a grant worth £1.9m over 3 years with a further £925k in match funding and in- kind contributions, to help conserve the distinct character of the Magnesian Limestone Plateau. Over the three years of the programme the Limestone Landscape Partnership would carry out work on 25 projects which would have links to biodiversity, geodiversity, cultural heritage and the historic environment within this landscape. 2

Visit to Thrislington and Raisby Quarries - 10 th July, 2013 12 The members of the Environment and Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny began the visit at Thrislington Plantation National Nature Reserve (NNR) which is one of the most valuable magnesian limestone grassland sites in County Durham. The site covers 24 hectares and is adjacent to an active quarry. 13 Members were provided with a brief introduction as to how the grasslands were formed and weathered to produce the thin lime-rich soils on which unique grasslands have developed. The site is also designated as a site of Special Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI). 14 Various booklets and leaflets were provided to members to help identify various flora and fauna together with plans showing the extent of the magnesian limestone within the area. 15 At the southern end of the quarry members were able to see the working quarry site and were advised that Durham County Council would be working with the quarry to extend the grassland area as part of the restoration and aftercare of the quarry. 16 Raisby Quarry is in an active state and is also a site of Special Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI). From the viewing platform members could see the area of land currently being quarried together with areas that were being restored as Magnesian Limestone grasslands. 17 At the site members met with Vivien Kent from Durham Wildlife Trust who provided information on how the land was being managed to ensure that the flora and fauna were able to flourish as part of the Limestone Landscapes Project which was working with the Wildlife Trust to link sites along the Kelloe Beck and Raisby Way. 18 With regard to the future development of the site members were informed that one of the existing water pools would be retained and spring fed which would lead to further nature and wildlife opportunities. Recommendations 19 It is recommended that the Environment and Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee notes the information provided during the presentation. 3

20 It is recommended that as part of the refresh of the committee’s work programme a further update on the development of the Limestone Landscapes Programme is scheduled for a future meeting of the committee. Background Papers Limestone Landscapes - project update 2013. Environment and Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Report - Limestone Landscapes Partnership – 18 th July, 2011. Visit to Thrislington and Raisby Quarries – Note from visit – 10 th July, 2013 Contact: Tom Gorman Tel: 03000 268027 E-mail: tom.gorman@durham.gov.uk Author: Diane Close Tel: 03000 268141777E-mail: diane.close@durham.gov.uk 4

Appendix 1: Implications Finance – Limestone landscapes programme for County Durham was awarded £1.9m grant by the Heritage Lottery Fund which would attract £925k of ther cash funding, in kind donations and volunteer time, giving a total budget of £2.825m. Staffing - None Risk – None Equality and Diversity / Public Sector Equality Duty – The work of the partnership will be inclusive and reflect the diverse community of the Magnesian Limestone Natural Area and those who visit . People of all ages and abilities from every sector of society will have the opportunity to enjoy the area. Accommodation – None Crime and Disorder – Raising community awareness of issues facing the Magnesian Limestone Natural Area and encouraging participation in local environment initiatives is important to engendering community ownership and reducing anti social behaviour. Human Rights – None Consultation – The work of the partnership is based upon wide ranging consultation and participation. Procurement – None Disability Issues – None Legal Implications – None 5