Quarry island set to attract threatened birds

THREATENED species of wading birds will soon be able to find sanctuary on a purpose-built island within a working quarry in Cambridgeshire under plans recently unveiled by Aggregate Industries UK Ltd.

The new 1ha island will be built and landscaped over the coming months within a worked-out pit at the company’s 600ha quarry at Little Paxton, near St Neots. Once construction work is complete the pit will be allowed to flood to create a large lake around the island.

Little Paxton quarry manager Andy Deas is behind the plan to introduce wading birds such as the redshank and lapwing to the new island, both of which are on the RSPB’s amber list of birds of conservation concern.

‘This venture has nothing to do with commercial interests,’ said Mr Deas. ‘Our environmental work here at Little Paxton is an important investment for the future and will greatly benefit local wildlife.’

The idea for the island is based on a similar nature island built within an adjacent former sand and gravel quarry known as Pumphouse Lake over 10 years ago, which proved very successful in attracting breeding waders.

Costs associated with creating the new island will be met in full by Aggregate Industries, who are making provision for wildlife in line with the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.