Good news for newts at Clee Hill Quarry

MQP create four new ponds for newts and other wildlife as part of quarry expansion plans

MIDAND Quarry Products (MQP) have been granted a licence from Natural England to translocate great crested newts at the company’s Clee Hill Quarry, near Ludlow, in Shropshire.

MQP have been granted permission to expand quarrying operations at the site and as part of the process the company will ensure that the newts are carefully moved beyond the working area.

Four new ponds, with two specially created, will provide an ideal habitat for the newts and a range of other wildlife to thrive.

The company has been planning the operation for months and working very closely with SLR Consulting, the company’s environmental consultants, to move the newts as the quarry development progresses.

Hugh McGuigan, quarry manager at Clee Hill, said: ‘We are very pleased that Natural England has granted us the licence to translocate the newts. Their new home will be safe for them to thrive in and hopefully expand further still.’

Chris Mitchell of SLR added: ‘Following issue of the licence, MQP have completed a range of habitat works including the creation of new ponds, restoration of a former pond and enhancement of 7ha of grassland habitats.

‘During the first stage of translocation works this year, more than 200 amphibians have been safely relocated, including 36 great crested newts.’