Tarmac deliver sustainable restoration at Crown Farm Quarry

Tarmac site stands as a beacon of environmental stewardship and community collaboration

Tarmac’s Crown Farm Quarry, near Northwich, stands as a beacon of environmental stewardship and successful community collaboration, thanks to a long-standing partnership with Cheshire Wildlife Trust (CWT). Since 2019, this partnership has transformed the site from an active mineral extraction zone into a model of sustainable quarrying and award-winning restoration.

With a shared commitment to biodiversity, Tarmac and Cheshire Wildlife Trust have managed 17 hectares of restored land at Crown Farm, restoring a diverse mix of habitats, from acidic and neutral grasslands to woodland and wetland. The site now supports more than 70 bird species, including skylark, lapwing, and 20 butterfly species. The neutral grassland is home to three species of orchid, with over 500 individual spikes counted during the 2023 survey season.

Jenny Oldroyd, restoration manager at Tarmac, said: ‘Our collaboration with Cheshire Wildlife Trust is central to our long-term vision for the site. By combining operational excellence with ecological insight, we’re proving that industrial land can be a critical asset in reversing biodiversity loss.’

Cheshire Wildlife Trust’s involvement includes managing habitats under a 10-year overarching plan and implementing tailored biennial work plans. Its conservation leadership has ensured the restoration process not only meets regulatory standards but also maximizes ecological value.

The impact of the partnership extends beyond biodiversity. With Tarmac’s support, more than 2,500 school pupils have visited Crown Farm through School Legacy Projects. These hands-on educational sessions, ranging from pond dipping to den building, help students connect with the natural world. 

Additionally, 144 teachers from 17 local schools have benefited from training and guidance on outdoor learning and nature-based education. Scout and Guide groups have also engaged with the site, learning about conservation in action while enjoying access to real-world environmental education.

Notably, Crown Farm Quarry has undergone a sustainability transformation through major infrastructure upgrades. The installation of a fully electric dredger has cut fuel consumption by 534 tonnes of CO₂ annually. Further electrification of the site – replacing diesel generators with electric systems – has reduced emissions by an additional 1,268 tonnes per year.

Automation has also played a key role. A new 42-metre radial Telestacker conveyor and remote-controlled wash plant now minimize heavy equipment usage and reduce site traffic, making the operation not only more efficient but also more environmentally friendly. 

‘These upgrades demonstrate our commitment to cutting carbon while maintaining performance,’ said Ms Oldroyd. ‘We’re not just meeting sustainability targets; we’re setting new standards for the industry.’ With planning permission granted through to 2042 and phased restoration already underway, Tarmac and Cheshire Wildlife Trust are committed to long-term environmental and social value. 

As part of this commitment, the organizations are currently undertaking a three-year rolling programme to replace fencing across the site. This will facilitate grazing – an effective habitat management technique that reduces costs and further enhances biodiversity.

As Tarmac and CWT continue to reap the rewards of their transformational partnership, Crown Farm Quarry will remain a thriving hub for nature, education, and sustainable innovation, setting a precedent for responsible quarrying nationwide.