Biodiversity award for King’s Dyke nature reserve

Former clay quarry takes top honours in biodiversity category at sustain’ magazine awards 2012

HANSON’s King’s Dyke nature reserve at Whittlesey, near Peterborough, took top honours in the biodiversity category at the 2012 sustain’ magazine awards.

The former clay quarry adjacent to the Hanson brick works has been developed into a community nature reserve over the last 17 years.

More than 140 species of birds have been recorded at the site, including the marsh harrier and bittern, along with butterflies, dragonflies and various mammals, including water voles and otters.

King's Dyke is particularly important for its invertebrates, with over 2,500 species recorded, one of which is thought to be new to the UK.

The large numbers of ponds support more than 5,000 great crested newts, while common lizards, grass snakes and slow worms are also found in good numbers.

The award was collected by Hanson’s head of sustainability and environment, Martin Crow, and Philip Parker, who manages the site on behalf of the company.

‘We are delighted that King’s Dyke has been recognized,’ said Mr Crow. ‘Its success demonstrates the significant role the quarrying industry can play in reshaping the landscape to enhance biological diversity both during and after mineral extraction.’

Steve Oxley, editor of sustain’ magazine, added: ‘Year on year we have seen the quality of entries to the awards increase. I would like to congratulate Hanson on their success.’