Benchmarks for Duntilland and Powmyre

Bardon Aggregates sites receive the first Scottish Biodiversity Benchmark awards from The Wildlife Trusts

BARDON Aggregates, part of Aggregate Industries, have been awarded the first Scottish Biodiversity Benchmarks for sustained land management at their Duntilland and Powmyre quarries. Both sites gained the award for their continuing commitment to creating and improving wildlife habitats around the quarries. 

Jonathan Hughes, director of conservation for the Scottish Wildlife Trust, said: ‘The Wildlife Trusts’ Biodiversity Benchmark award helps companies assess their impact on the natural world and develop better ways of protecting biodiversity on their own holdings. I’m delighted that Bardon Aggregates have been awarded the Benchmark in Scotland for their Duntilland and Powmyre quarry sites. 

‘By taking part in the Benchmark award, Bardon Aggregates have not only improved biodiversity on two of their flagship sites, they are also blazing a trail for other companies in Scotland to follow.’

Duntilland Quarry, a 165ha hard-rock operation adjacent to the M8 in North Lanarkshire, has been managed with sensitivity to wildlife over the past decade. To achieve the Biodiversity Benchmark, staff and management worked to an exacting Biodiversity Action Plan to ensure proper site management, allowing wildlife value to be improved for the long term. Quarry staff monitor and report on birds around the rock faces, noting behavioural changes.

Powmyre Quarry, located on the Strathmore estate at Glamis, in Angus, is a 97ha sand and gravel operation which opened in 2007. It is providing habitats for UK Biodiversity Action Plan species, including the brown hare, and enhancing key habitats, such as wet woodland.

Bruce Young, quarry manager at Powmyre, said: ‘Our site now has bird boxes (pictured) which have been supported by our local school. Staff monitor and record birds and mammals on site – something which may not have happened had it not been for the Benchmark.

‘While attaining our Biodiversity Benchmark was hard work and time-consuming, we feel the long-term payback of enhancement across Powmyre Quarry, and the development of our relationship with our community and external partners, more than exceeds the initial investment of time.’