Thousands of acorns planted at historic former clay pit

Imerys helping to transform former Arne ball clay works near Poole Harbour into a haven for wildlife

THREE thousand acorns have been planted on the site of a former clay pit in Dorset as part of plans by Imerys Minerals to transform it into a nationally significant haven for wildlife.

Work to breathe new life into the historic Arne ball clays works, on the Arne peninsula in the western reaches of Poole Harbour, which is no longer required for clay production, began earlier this year.

The plan developed by Imerys – working closely with Dorset County Council, Natural England, the RSPB and Poole Harbour Commissioners – will see the opencast site reprofiled and replanted to create a rare saline lagoon habitat with salt marsh edges, surrounded by grass, heath and oak woodland.

When completed, it is expected that the site will provide a home for a diverse range of wildlife species – potentially including nesting terns – and will complement and enhance nearby nature conservation habitats in Poole Harbour which already have European designation.

The innovative restoration project includes planting acorns to reinstate the ancient oak woodland with the same genetic make-up as the surrounding area.

‘We take our environmental responsibilities very seriously and are committed to an ongoing programme of restoration,’ commented Chris Cleaves, general manager of Imerys Ball Clays. ‘Arne ball clay works provided a fantastic opportunity to transform this former industrial facility into a truly special wildlife site and we are all extremely proud of what’s been achieved so far.

‘We have already moved about 160,000 tonnes of on-site material to restore the pit to a profile that will best realize its potential as a saline lagoon of high biodiversity interest. We would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers who have done their own bit for the restoration by helping us to collect the acorns, and by planting them.’