Mark Mitchell Whitesands Quarry y Restoration Project A partnership project between the RSPB RSPB and Tarmac, with funding d T ith f di from EcoCo LIFE
MoU signed in January 2013, containing an agreement to: agreement to: “ devise and implement an overall strategy for the restoration of the blue land for the long the restoration of the blue land for the long term benefits that it will provide for biodiversity and the local and broader communities”. Th The project steering group agreed the following project vision statement on 3 September j t t i d th f ll i j t i i t t t 3 S t b 2013: The Whitesands Quarry Restoration Project will create a regionally important wetland The Whitesands Quarry Restoration Project will create a regionally important wetland ecosystem, with associated habitats, for the benefit of wildlife, people and the local economy. This work will transform Whitesands Quarry into an important site for breeding wintering and migrant bird populations as well as other important biodiversity breeding, wintering and migrant bird populations, as well as other important biodiversity. It will provide a natural space for local people and visiting tourists to watch and enjoy wildlife and participate in nature ‐ based tourism. The project will demonstrate best practice in habitat creation/restoration and public The project will demonstrate best practice in habitat creation/restoration and public engagement through an effective partnership between the RSPB Scotland and Lafarge Tarmac and through regular liaison and consultation with the local community.
Adult male hen harrier seen during BBS on 27/05/2015 Hen harrier, Mike Langman, RSPB images
Short-eared owl seen on 30/07/2015 and 06/08/2015 Short-eared owl, Mike Langman, RSPB images
Wood sandpiper Ruff Little stint Little stint All seen at the quarry on 22 nd August.
Hobby seen at the quarry on Saturday 5 th September September
Yellow-wort found on the site on on the site on 26/08/2015 Map from NBN data for Yellow- wort distribution
Silver Y Swift Narrow- Cinnabar Heart and club Heart and bordered 5-spot dart
Future work o utu e
• Floating rafts have proved successful for breeding tern colonies at various breeding tern colonies at various locations across the UK • They are relatively maintenance ‐ light and have a long lifespan and have a long lifespan • They can be positioned in key areas to provide excellent wildlife watching opportunities opportunities
What’s next?...... Key dates: • Meeting to discuss outflow planning application in October • Management plan final version signed off by 4 th November • Land forming and island creation to commence March 2016
Summary • Financial contribution from Tarmac has made the project possible Financial contribution from Tarmac has made the project possible • Experience, equipment and skills associated with landforming priceless in our project • Working quarries regulations has been a positive in some ways to this point • Opportunity to use this project as best practice to influence future restoration plans pp y p j p p at Whitesands and at other quarry operator sites • Potential to feed in work already done on this in the Nature After Minerals programme in England, RESTORE Considerations • Have to be patient and accommodating to partner’s restrictions, deadlines, work plans etc. • Other benefits are sharing of risk/responsibility, tapping into experience bank of others
Th Thank you for k f listening
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