Twites seen nesting in Dove Holes

CEMEX UK’s largest quarry provides important habitat for one of the country’s rarest birds

EARLIER this month CEMEX UK’s Dove Holes Quarry, close to the Peak District in Derbyshire, delivered its two millionth tonne of aggregates of the year. As CEMEX’s largest quarry, Dove Holes provides limestone for construction projects all over the country, yet despite it prodigious output the site remains a haven for wildlife.

The site itself covers some 500ha, with the grassland surrounding the quarry providing an important habitat for the twite, a rare bird that has been categorized as being of high conservation importance and a priority UK BAP (Biodiversity Action Plan) species.

CEMEX are working with the RSPB to help manage and restore their sites, and the grassland around Dove Holes is helping to provide the seed food needed by the twite, which has been seen nesting in cracks in the quarry face.

In keeping with this commitment to nature and following the celebrated 20-volume CEMEX ‘Conservation’ book series, CEMEX UK have recently launched Sublime Nature, the first in the new ‘Nature’ series of books, developed in partnership with National Geographic and dedicated conservationist and photographer Christina Mittermaier.

The new book includes spectacular photographs of the natural world taken by award-winning photojournalists, interspersed with inspiring words from renowned writers and environmentalists. By creating awareness of the great beauty of the planet, the book aims to help promote preservation and conservation.

Jesus Gonzalez, president CEMEX UK, commented: ‘As a leading supplier of aggregates, cement and ready-mixed concrete, we recognize the need to balance the requirements of the natural world with the demands of communities for building materials for use in new schools, homes, infrastructure and the built environment.

‘Much like throwing a stone in the water and the resulting ripple effect, our conservation book series has helped to drive an ever-increasing range of environmental initiatives. We want to be the best for communities by maintaining the natural world around us and creating a better future for society.

‘Although recent government announcements have seen a reduction in green objectives, I remain passionate about maintaining sustainability momentum while playing a key role in delivering on our built environment challenges. Our key activities focus on driving down CO2, boosting nature around our operations, developing more sustainable solutions and being more efficient with natural resources.’