MPA members are proud of their record on restoration. They know that unless worked-out sites are not only left safe and tidy, but also carefully designed to maximise their value to local communities, landowners and the wider environment, the industry can never claim to be truly sustainable.
Cloddach
It was extracted between 1995 – 2013 and 35 ha to the east of the river has now been completely restored to a mosaic of lakes, wetlands, islands, wet woodland and agriculture. The plant site to the west of the river still processes sand from a nearby extension and will be restored at the end of this extraction.
Progressive restoration has created a rich and varied landscape. Agricultural reinstated land now gives good yields of hay, barley and since completion of aftercare management, potatoes and carrots.
Lake margins were carefully shaped with birdlife in mind to create shallow wetlands, islands, land-bridges and gently sloping beaches. The shores were seeded with a wildflower mix, and wetland plants and scrub has regenerated naturally. A variety of priority habitats have now developed including wet woodland of birch and willow, acidic grassland with scrub, wetland and reed, and is teaming with wildlife.
An unusually high species count; 95 bird species have been recorded in total, including the rare Slavonian Grebe as well as Kingfishers and visiting Ospreys. The islands provide refuges for nesting birds, but some of the rich biodiversity might be attributed to its location by the river Lassie, as the wetlands provide increased ecological connectivity along the river corridor and is frequented by otters and migrating birds.
Cambusmore Quarry
It is expected that the site will remain as an operation quarry until at least 2030 Following this, a 5-year aftercare period will take place, although progressive restoration throughout the site has been undertaken for many years, as large areas of the quarry have already been restored to a mixture of open meadow grass, woodland, wetland and open water.
Once finished, the restored area will comprise a mix of grassland and wetland areas which will harbour biodiversity and be open for public access. This will feed into broader benefits for local people and wildlife and contribute to wider conservation objectives within the national park.