Nature After Minerals
MINERAL sites are ideal places to recreate wildlife habitats such as wetlands, heathlands, grasslands and woodlands, and to this end the RSPB and Natural England are working with planners and the industry in an effort to encourage increased mineral industry contributions to Biodiversity Action Plan targets.
As part of this effort, the Nature After Minerals programme is running a series of events across England in early 2008 to look at high-quality wildlife habitat creation through strategic minerals planning, focusing on opportunities in the new Mineral Development Frameworks in particular. One event is being held in each of the nine government regions of England as part of a project funded by the Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund.
Each event lasts for one-and-a-half days and attendance is free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Day one consists of a morning of presentations looking at opportunities through minerals planning and showcasing successful biodiversity end-uses from across the respective region. In the afternoon, delegates break into smaller groups for a workshop. Day two involves a visit to a local site to see some of the techniques and issues on the ground.
The dates and venues for the 2008 events are as follows (site visit shown in brackets):
- South East: 16–17 January, Coulsdon Manor Hotel, Old Coulsdon (Nutfield Marsh)
- South West: 29–30 January, Springfield Hotel, Wareham (Masters Pit)
- North West: 6–7 February, Claremont Hotel, Preston (Brockholes Quarry)
- North East: 14–15 February, The Greenhouse, Durham (Rainton Meadows)
- Yorkshire & Humber: 19–20 February, Hambleton Forum, Northallerton (Nosterfield Nature Reserve)
- East Midlands: 27–28 February, Rushden & Diamonds FC, Northamptonshire (Stanwick Lakes)
An additional event will take place in the South West during the week commencing 10 March (actual date to be confirmed) at The Eden Project, Cornwall, followed by a site visit to a heathland restoration project at a clay pit.
