Biodiversity ‘first’ for Marshalls

MARSHALLS plc have been awarded The Wildlife Trusts’ Biodiversity Benchmark for the sustained work they have carried out at their Maltby manufacturing facility –– the first time in the history of the scheme that an active manufacturing site has ever received this rigorously audited accreditation.

The Biodiversity Benchmark allows organizations across the country to assess the quality of their land management, improve their contribution to the environment and demonstrate their commitment to biodiversity. Similar to other standards for management systems, the Benchmark comprises a set of detailed requirements that an organization must be able to meet.

To achieve the Biodiversity Benchmark Marshalls’ Maltby works produced an exacting BAP to ensure that the site would be properly managed to improve its wildlife value for the long term. With an already keen interest from within, site employees have been actively involved throughout the process, but this has now grown to include the involvement of the local community, arranging site visits for schools and developing partnerships with Doncaster MBC, Rotherham Chamber of Trade and Doncaster Biodiversity Action Partnership.

Since starting their Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP), Marshalls’ Maltby works has created a new conservation area around its old pump lagoon with a bespoke man-made island retreat, spread in excess of 200 tonnes of soil for new planting, placed reeds to form new wetland areas, sited a total of 150 new trees and sown areas with grass and wild flower seeds.

The site is now also actively managing its hedgerows and remaining habitats to encourage new flora, fauna and wildlife. This action has already led to new breeding pairs of birds visiting the site to accompany the yearly return of a flock of sand martins who make their home around the lagoon area.

Ian Manley, health and safety co-ordinator at Marshalls’ Maltby Works, who has been pivotal in managing the Biodiversity Action Plan, said: ‘We are delighted to have achieved accreditation to The Wildlife Trusts’ Biodiversity Benchmark. While it has been hard work, we feel it has been well worth the effort and we have been pleasantly surprised by the amount of flora, fauna and wildlife already within our site boundary.’

Amy Underwood, Biodiversity Benchmark manager, added: ‘Marshalls have worked incredibly hard to achieve the Biodiversity Benchmark – a commitment that should be applauded. I hope that the site in Maltby is the first of many manufacturing sites to take the challenge of seeking the Biodiversity Benchmark.’

Following the success of the Maltby project, Marshalls say they are now planning to work with The Wildlife Trusts partnership to improve biodiversity at all their sites.