Mineralautumn 19 ISSUE 20 Products Today

mineralAUTUMN 19 ISSUE 20 products today

Quarries & Nature Uniquely placed for net gain

First defence Fighting the floods Home truths Climate resilient housing Hot gossip? Lower carbon asphalt NEWS WELCOME As if the infernal chaos surrounding Brexit In an era where industry is screaming for to flooding and other were not enough, our markets are rapidly more certainty, it serves no purpose for consequences. chilling. Whether we are teetering on the Government to re-announce previous Above all we edge of a technical recession or not, it is spending commitments, pushing out headline need a steady perplexing to hear Government on the one grabbing numbers, whilst delaying start dates and competent hand proclaim that it will become more and downplaying the timescale during which Government that’s ‘can-do’ and will inspire an ‘infrastructure the spending may, or may not, take place. sensitive to the realities of what makes our revolution’, whilst on the other canning Whilst major projects aren't there to benefit economy tick and grow sustainably. Whilst it is major energy projects and converting the supply chain, after years of Government tempting to back the push to ‘get Brexit done’, dither into delay on HS2. promises, we at least hoped to be in a position in reality we know that, whatever happens, to plan with some confidence. Unfortunately A further deferral on such a major the uncertainty does not end on the first of we still can't. infrastructure project as HS2, which is so November – that’s merely the end of that dependent on the supply of huge volumes It is hard to retain shareholder confidence beginning. Until we have not only ‘got Brexit of aggregates, asphalt and concrete, is a when ‘normal’ business uncertainty is done’ properly but also recovered our national double kick in the teeth for our sector. Budget compounded by such shallow politics. The UK poise and purpose, it feels like industry has forecasts which had already slipped now have desperately needs to renew and upgrade its to continue to anticipate more downside risk to be torn up, and forward investment in new transport and energy infrastructure. We need before we can look forward with confidence. and improved plant capacity written off over more and better housing. Climate change Martin Riley, Chairman, MPA less business. impacts require us to strengthen our resilience Over 1.5 million trees in 10 years

More than 1.5 million trees and 100km of In the 10 years to 2019, the data shows that the This means that the mineral products sector hedgerow have been planted by MPA industry created the equivalent of almost 2,000 is making a huge and vital contribution to the member companies in the past decade. hectares of woodland – enough trees to cover Government’s national ambitions to plant new all of London’s eight royal parks – and planted woodland to help combat the effects of That’s according to new figures collected from enough hedgerow to stretch from Oxford to climate change. British mineral products producers for the MPA’s Cambridge. annual sustainable development report. “Mineral products companies are uniquely placed to make a real and substantial contribution to the creation of new woodland and hedgerows as part of quarry restoration schemes,” said Nicola Owen, the MPA’s Director of Environment, waste and water.

“The industry is planting an average of 150,000 trees every year and in 2018 alone the figure was a massive 203,488 trees.

“This is more evidence that mineral products companies are honouring their commitment to delivering a lasting legacy for the natural environment, alongside their role in providing essential materials for the built environment.”

Mineral Products Association Mineral Products Today The views expressed in Mineral Products Gillingham House, 38-44 Gillingham Street Managing Editor: Elizabeth Clements, Today are not necessarily those of the London SW1V 1HU Director – Communications Mineral Products Association. Tel: 020 7963 8000 Fax: 020 7963 8001 Email: [email protected] Cover: A common tern diving for fish at Email: [email protected] Editor: Andi Hodgson Cleveland Lakes Nature Reserve, Ashton Web: www.mineralproducts.org Communications Consultant Keynes, Wiltshire taken by David Soons Chairman: Martin Riley Tel: 07972 533728 who works for MPA member company Chief Executive: Nigel Jackson Email: [email protected] Aggregate Industries. Copyright: Mineral Products Association 2019 Design: www.generateuk.co.uk Printed on FSC paper

2 Everybody needsgoodneighbours local communitieswillsoonbelaunched. A newschemetohelpMPAmembersengageandbuildtrustwith of vitalinfrastructureschemes. drive tourgecabinetministersrefocusandsupportthedelivery The MPAhassetoutitsnew‘PrioritiesforGovernment’inafresh experience and community engagement. andcommunity experience usage, dust,traffic, complainthandling, visitor areas, and stocking noiseandvibration,water are publicsafety, appearance, plant external Among theissueshighlighted inthescheme MPAthe Vision. oftheMPAdelivery andrealisation of Charter to begood neighbours’. willassistwiththe It engage fullywithlocalcommunitiesandstrive StrategicSeven Priorities relating to People – ‘to The schemedirectlyaddresses oneofMPA’s engagement activity. them plan,monitorandimprovetheir managers withguidanceandtoolstohelp currently atpilotstage,providessite The newGoodNeighbourScheme, mineral productscanbemetsustainably. conditions forallindustrytothriveandinvestsothatcontinuingdemandsthingslike document isatimelyreminderoftheresponsibilityGovernmenthasinsetting Whilst politiciansandcommentatorscontinuetobepreoccupiedwithBrexit,thenewMPA Mineral ProductsMineral Association wrote: Executive McLaughlin, Director at the Jerry Strategy,and Industrial Andrea Leadsom MP, ofState forthe Secretary Business, Energy Writing to theChancellor, Javid Sajid MP, and BREXIT IS NOT THE ONLY PRIORITY ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ eight prioritieswhichMPAbelieveswillhelpdelivercontinuingprosperityfortheUK: The newtwo-pagedocument,deliberatelytimedaheadoftheBrexitdeadline,outlines supply Improving ofUK thesustainability growth anddevelopment generatedproducts by economic futureMeeting demandsfor mineral Improving regulation taxation fairer industry Making Strengthening UKsupplychains growthBoosting andproductivity competitiveness Enhancing industrial investment Building confidence for business minimised andmitigated. controls to ensure are thatoperationalimpacts andvoluntary numerous other statutory permissions, environmental and permits hard“Businesses work to adhere to planning MPA ChiefExecutive Jackson. Nigel technical andenvironmental standards,” said when itcomesto operatingsites to thehighest has anestablishedtrackrecord industry “The agriculture andwater. including industries critical underpin homes andinfrastructure projects, and economy oflife, andto quality for building “Our members’ are products essential to the MPA website: www.mineralproducts.org Government’ canbedownloaded from the Priorities for ‘Mineral Products Industry mineral willcontinue products to beessential. restoration.through As quarry Brexit unfolds, uniquely placed to deliver biodiversity netgain aggregates.and secondary MPA’s membersare and theUKleadsEurope intheuseofrecycled consumer ofotherindustries’ waste materials, For example, thecement isalarge sector net by 2050aswell asthecircular economy. the transition to anetzero economy carbon Companies to have play in anessential part on whichithasastrong track record. -hand withitsenvironmental responsibilities, the industry’s economic success goeshand-in MPA goesonto remind theGovernment that people employed by ourmembers.” employers across thecountry, with74,000 andprogression skills as opportunities, provide. provides job The industry businesses that rely we ontheproducts isvitalfor ourmembersbutalsofor the “This housing andinfrastructure. supply chainsandrobust investment in globalinvestment,attracting withstrong memberswantOur to seea competitive UK, to bridges, roads andenergy infrastructure. deliver itspriorities, from schoolsandhospitals “Government relies onourmembersto [email protected] Communications 07775894285, Elizabeth Clements, – Director For information contact further reasonable for themto expect.” can communicate withneighbourswhatis areout whatthey ableto committo sothey schemewillalsohelpoperators set “The future proposals. for good reputation thatcouldbeimportant and helpoperators develop andmaintaina understanding andperceptions oftheindustry “Building trustinthisway canimprove local people. above of andbeyond to meettheexpectations examples ofsite managementteams going doing so, andwe are seeingmore andmore meet therequirements, butto beseento be notonlyto “But itisincreasingly important

NEWS VIEWPOINT climate changedebate. Change Summit,Ifeelcompelledtoadd‘consumption’intothe accelerating glacialandpolarmeltingtherecentUNClimate In thelightofdevastatingforestfires,alarmingdeforestation, civilisation andcarbon Consumption, 4 acknowledgement ofthiscriticallink. calls forcarbontobecutthereisbarely an consumption unlockscarbon.Amongst the foundations forcivilisationand,likeitornot, and non-energymineralproductsarethe cumulative demandsforfood,water,energy primary resourcesneededtosatisfyour – whohaveconsumptionchoices.The – oratleastthoseofusinrichercountries responsibility. Thatisalleightbillionofus Consumers needtoadmittheysharethe by mitigationandadaptation. way totheeraofhowwerespond,both climate changeistakingplacemustgive conjecture aboutwhetherandwhy is "denialist",farfromit.Theeraof None ofwhatyou’reabouttoread Nigel Jackson VIEWPOINT byMPAChiefExecutive environmental cost. have toit.Andthatcarriesan inevitable fabric ofourwaylifeisnotnegotiable. We we cannotoperateday-to-day.Thisessential hospitals andpowerplants,withoutwhich consumed inhomes,schools,roads,railways, Products suchasconcreteandasphaltare production andduringproducts'lifetime. energy andcarbonimpactsbothin revolutionary, improvementsinreducing been makingevolutionary,andsometimes Contrary topopularbelief,ourindustryhas are doingandwhatwecapableofdoing. listen toindustrymore,understandwhatwe environmental lens?Agoodstartmightbeto the economyasawholethroughclear how doesitchangeitsthinkingandsee and respondproperly?Moreimportantly, So howdoesaGovernmentadmitthetruth industry, foundourGovernmentwanting. On thispointyouthactivistshave,likeour of importedgoods,shipping,aviation,etc. ‘too difficult’calculationsonconsumption we trulyarebecauseexcludingthe cutting ourcarbonfootprintmorethan real deniallies.IntheUKwebelieveare parochial andmisleading.Thisiswherethe response isridiculouslyinconsistent, and wheretheyarise,butourGovernment We nowknowaboutenvironmentalcosts demand fromsupply. desire tobe‘civilised’.Youcannotseparate is anenvironmentalcostofourneedand products. Theinconvenienttruthisthatthere by alsoconsuming,frankly,morefrivolous products, andthenwecompoundtheissue responsible forplacingdemandsonessential tackling partoftheproblem.Weareall we thinkharmtheplanetmost,areonly If weaimourwrathsolelyatthoseactivities “

consumption, civilisationandcarbon. open minds,emphasisingthelink between We willengagewithallstakeholders with and offerpracticable,workablesolutions. less hotair.Wewillmakeourvoiceheard or changethedebatetomoreactionand by indulgingininconsequentialgreenwash decide whetherwewanttojustfeelgood headed forourshoresin2020wemust With thenextUNClimateChangeSummit and adaptation. sectors toinnovateonreduction,mitigation consistent approachwhichincentivisesall need, demandandsupplychains,a scorecard’ approachwhichissensitiveto We needawholeeconomy‘balanced more carbonaresubsidisedandsupported. activities thatusemuchmorelandandemit are taxedandheavilyregulated,whileother and water.Ioftenwonderwhyourproducts ultimately originatefromthelandlikefood aggregates andcement,bothofwhich require concrete,manufacturedfrom For example,riverandcoastaldefences requires mineralproductstoo. to adaptquickerandmoreintensely,that growth inemissions.Thismeanswewillhave will seeoureffortsoutweighedbyglobal incidentally weshouldcontinuetodo– and influencingothercountries–which if wemaxoutoninnovativemitigation 1.5% oftotalgreenhousegases,even contributor atthegloballevel,lessthan Given thattheUKisacomparativelysmall we havetoappreciatetheeconomiccauses. how tomitigatetheenvironmentaleffects, sustainable development.Tounderstand environment underpinsthepillarsof This balancebetweeneconomyand use morelandandemit taxed andheavilyregulated, Why aremineralproducts while otheractivitiesthat

carbon subsidised and supported?

“ Consumption, civilisation and carbon Quarries BIODIVERSITY & Nature Gaining ground for biodiversity

By creating new habitats during quarry restoration, mineral products companies are uniquely placed to increase biodiversity. In fact they’ve been doing it for decades.

Most people who work in the mineral products sector assume that This is no better exemplified than through the the industry’s exceptional contribution to enhancing biodiversity entries into the long-running MPA Restoration

and Biodiversity Awards – an impressive legacy through the restoration of quarries is widely understood. of land stewardship schemes proven to deliver But in reality there is still little appreciation Announcing the plans, then Environment biodiversity net gain decades before the term of the long-term legacy that quarrying Secretary Michael Gove MP said: “Mandating was even coined. companies achieve – in partnership biodiversity net gain will ensure wildlife “ The 2019 awards were presented as part of with local authorities and conservation thrives at the same time as addressing the the recent MPA Quarries & Nature Conference organisations – once the essential minerals need to build new homes. Whether it’s attended by a wide-ranging audience from the have been extracted, processed and used in through planting more trees or creating worlds of minerals and nature conservation. construction and elsewhere. green corridors, developers will be required to place the environment at the heart of new Guest speakers included Tom Butterworth, The industry’s unique ability to create areas developments.” technical director of biodiversity for consultants for nature to thrive has taken on a whole new WSP; Prof David Hill CBE, chairman and meaning since the arrival of the Government’s founding owner of biodiversity offsetting Environment Bill which – amongst other things Quarrying is the best placed specialists The Environment Bank; and Kirsty – will oblige all new developments to increase industry to deliver an overall Kirkham, partner with BSG Ecology who biodiversity. net gain in biodiversity. specialise in ecological impact assessment and This mandate for ‘biodiversity net gain’ means wildlife legislation. Dr Rob Simmons, associate that the delivery of much-needed infrastructure, professor in sustainable soil management This is nothing new for companies involved commercial development and housing cannot at Cranfield University presented his work with mineral extraction. MPA senior planning take place at the expense of wildlife. For the first with Tarmac to trial new metrics to measure advisor David Payne said: “Quarrying is probably time net gain will require developers to ensure biodiversity net gain on quarries. the best placed industry to deliver an overall biodiversity is left in a better state than it was net gain in biodiversity.” “Quantifying biodiversity before and after before. “ development will be crucial,” said David “Being a temporary development, the land They must assess the type of habitat and its Payne, “but it’s safe to assume the net gain is effectively borrowed whilst the mineral is condition before submitting plans, and show after quarrying will usually exceed what removed. And because these days quarrying how they will improve biodiversity. Net gain could be typically achieved through other typically takes place on agricultural land with on the development site itself would be the developments.” relatively low biodiversity, the breadth and scale first priority, but where that’s not possible, of what can be created during and after the The Environment Bill will be reintroduced in the 2019/20 developers will need to deliver or pay for parliamentary session. land is worked for minerals is incomparable to habitat creation elsewhere. any other type of development.”

5 MPA Restoration & Biodiversity Awards '19 RESTORATION RESTORATION: Cooper Heyman Cup This year the judges decided that two sites merited the recognition afforded by Britain’s top award for outstanding achievement in quarry restoration – the Cooper Heyman Cup.

TARMAC – BROOM QUARRY, BEDFORDSHIRE Broom Quarry near Biggleswade in Bedfordshire is a former sand and gravel quarry that has been restored WINNERJOINT to a mixture of wildflower meadows, wetlands, woodland and farmland.

A cluster of fishing and conservation lakes have been created with a series of islands and wildlife-friendly shallow margins on the shoreline. Reed beds and wet woodland have been added – ideal habitat for waders, invertebrates and amphibians. Red clover and grassland are helping to improve soil quality and rare breed dexter cattle are adding some vital organic matter! Hedgerows, woodland and a wildflower meadow are all contributing to make Broom a site especially significant for bird life with 117 different species recorded on site – including lapwing, little plovers and redshank. Local people can learn about Broom’s wildlife and mineral history thanks to a network of information boards – and enjoy the beautiful landscape by walking the 10km of footpaths.

According to the judges, this is a ‘massive transformation’ on what was originally typical, uninteresting, agricultural land. The result is of great value to both the community and to wildlife.

COMMENDEDHIGHLY AGGREGATES INDUSTRIES £3.9m a year to the local economy. Already peregrine falcons have – VENN QUARRY, DEVON been seen, encouraged by strategically placed nesting boxes. Bat roosts have been Venn is a former gritstone quarry where good local preserved and the famous Tarka Trail footpath relationships and collaboration has helped shape the has been enhanced by tree planting. The judges say restoration from working quarry to wildlife haven and – that Aggregate Industries have secured a financially eventually – an eco-resort. viable end use for the quarry by working with the local Venn will eventually become a world-class resort with conservation community, the planning authority and the developer in an at its heart. It’ll create around 100 jobs and is set to inject around exemplary manner.

6 MPA Restoration & Biodiversity Awards '19

AGGREGATE INDUSTRIES – RIPON CITY QUARRY, NORTH YORKSHIRE Ripon City restored sand and gravel botanically rich fenland planting – links the River Ure with the Ripon Canal quarry opened as Ripon City Wetlands including plants indigenous to the with screens and hides to watch the earlier in 2019. Working with area. Three thousand reed plugs were wildlife. Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, MIddlemarch bought locally and planted to create an The long-term future of the site is secured Environmental, Greenfields Countryside abundance of reedbed habitat while 280 in an agreement with the land owners, Ltd and the local community has metres of hedges were laid alongside the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and North enabled a diverse mixture of priority canal reed bed. An 11-hectare open water Yorkshire County Council. The judges habitats to be created. sailing lake features slipways, jetties and said the entry was a well-researched and a boat park. There’s a picnic and parking Green hay was key here – it was spread implemented scheme and a great asset to area and a new footpath loop across the site to form 6,500m3 of the area.

WINNERJOINT

COMMENDEDHIGHLY HILLS – SHORNCOTE QUARRY, Water Park’s 150 lakes and is a haven for wading, migrating, feeding and nesting birds GLOUCESTERSHIRE / WILTSHIRE – it’s thought Shorncote will be the first site in the park to host breeding bittern and great white egret. Shorncote sand and gravel quarry is part of the Cotswold Water Park in the Upper Thames Valley. Where the quarry has been restored to non-agricultural dry land – the land’s been left without topsoil and those The restoration work has turned this site, part of which was un-manicured areas are loved by the stonechat, kingfisher, previously used for sewage disposal by Thames Water, into a sand martin and marsh harrier. first-class home for wildlife. Shorncote has nine of the Cotswold

Raymond Brown – Binnegar Quarry, Dorset; Hanson – Horcott Quarry, Gloucestershire; COMMENDED Tarmac – Loudounhill Quarry, Ayrshire; Hanson – West Knighton Quarry, Dorset; Island Barn Aggregates (CEMEX UK & Tarmac) – Molesey Reservoirs, Surrey

MPA SPECIAL AWARD George McDonic – For his lifetime contribution to restoration and commitment to the MPA Restoration Awards

7 MPA Restoration & Biodiversity Awards '19 BIODIVERSITY BIODIVERSITY: Innovation Award BIODIVERSITY: Planned Restoration Imaginative approaches to nature conservation that advance best Restoration schemes that have yet to be realised but where progressive practices and ‘go beyond’ statutory requirements. biodiversity-led restoration is set to deliver major biodiversity benefits.

HANSON – FLOOD PLAIN FOREST, WINNER CEMEX UK – DIVETHILL, NORTHUMBERLAND

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE Divethill Quarry in Northumberland is a fantastic The Floodplain Forest at Milton Keynes, in partnership with the Parks example of progressive restoration of a rock Trust MK, involves the restoration of gravel pits to a mix of habitats. quarry to create an attractive landform and a mosaic of species-rich, locally important These include streams, ponds, reedbeds, wet woodland and hedgerows, and a and distinctive ‘Whin’ grassland, agricultural dynamic river floodplain system. Multiple braided channels and pools at different grassland, woodland and hedges, and a levels, connected to the main River Great Ouse, allows for periodic inundation and waterbody. flow depending on water levels. The habitats attract a wide variety of birds as well as otter and water voles. The judges were impressed by what they said was ambitious The amount of Whin grassland has declined scheme going beyond requirements and realising the opportunities presented by dramatically over the last 30 years, and restoration the location to ensure the habitats are an integral and active part of the floodplain. of the quarry offers the opportunity to re-create This benefits a wide range of wildlife, landscape enhancement and other ecosystem services including flood and water management.

COMMENDED HANSON – 'IN AT THE START', HIGHLY RIPON QUARRY, NORTH YORKSHIRE

Hanson’s ‘In at the Start’ initiative at Ripon Quarry, North Yorkshire engages the community including the local High Batts Nature Reserve group and a local school – to assist in monitoring wildlife within the quarry, as AGGREGATE INDUSTRIES well as volunteers undertaking habitat management outside of the quarry boundary. – TOPLEY PIKE, DERBYSHIRE Monitoring will help inform restoration and management decisions, and ensure Topley Pike limestone quarry in Derbyshire has these benefits are appreciated by the community. The judges were impressed a restoration scheme developed in collaboration by the fantastic engagement with the community in a long-term partnership, with the Peak District National Park Authority as with volunteers undertaking monitoring to inform management, helping to build well as Natural England, Environment Agency and understanding and relationships. Derbyshire Wildlife Trust.

Permission was granted for a revised working Hanson – Batts Combe Quarry, Somerset; Aggregate Industries and restoration plan involving re-profiling of – Callow Rock Quarry, Somerset; CEMEX UK – Dove Holes Quarry, a large historic tip to re-create a valley feature, COMMENDED Derbyshire; CEMEX UK – Raynes Quarry, Conwy; CEMEX UK – Taffs watercourse and footpath, with substantial Well Quarry, Cardiff; Atkins – Crown Farm Quarry, Cheshire environmental benefits. Habitats to be created – informed by a detailed ecological management

MPA SPECIAL Tarmac and Cranfield University – Implementation and critical AWARD evaluation of the Defra Biodiversity Metric on sand and gravel quarries COMMENDED Tarmac – Dolyhir Quarry, Powys; Hanson – Newington & Mission Quarries, Nottinghamshire

8 MPA Restoration & Biodiversity Awards '19 BIODIVERSITY: Planned Restoration BIODIVERSITY: Landscape Scale Restoration schemes that have yet to be realised but where progressive Creating bigger, better, more and joined habitats that connect biodiversity-led restoration is set to deliver major biodiversity benefits. with and are part of the wider landscape.

CEMEX UK – DIVETHILL, NORTHUMBERLAND WINNER AGGREGATE INDUSTRIES WINNER

this regionally important habitat – VENN OTTERY, DEVON on whinstone rock, linking fragments Venn Ottery in Devon is a 30-hectare sand and gravel site in the early and helping to deliver the stages of restoration predominantly to lowland heathland with areas of Northumberland Wildlife Trust’s contribution woodland, meadows and ponds. to the ‘Save our Magnificent Meadows' project. The site is in one of the largest heathland areas remaining in the UK, and sits next to The judges were impressed by the clear plan to designated lowland heathland SSSI and European sites, and within the East Devon AONB. deliver a range of habitats and realise the unique The restoration involves partnership with RSPB with heathland and meadow creation, opportunity presented by quarrying to deliver plus specific features including an orchard and bat roost. The site is already attracting regional priorities and wider landscape-scale breeding nightjar, a key heathland species, plus other wildlife such as dormouse and benefits. greater and lesser horseshoe bats. The judges were impressed by the overall concept and plan, extending the link between Special Areas of Conservation (East Devon Pebblebed Heaths) and meeting Lawton principles as well as producing an landform appropriate to its location. Staff knowledge of the site and its importance in the wider landscape is apparent, and delivery is above and beyond required restoration. Particularly impressive was the connectivity of habitats both within the site and beyond into the surrounding countryside. The collaborative partnership with RSPB was strong, as was involvement of local communities in decision making.

COMMENDED IMERYS – MEETH QUARRY, DEVON HIGHLY Meeth, located on the northern edge of Dartmoor, is a ball clay site

restored to a mosaic of habitats including lakes and ponds, broadleaved woodland, wet woodland, acid grassland and reedbeds. COMMENDEDHIGHLY AGGREGATE INDUSTRIES The site attracts a range of wildlife, and is particularly important for long-eared – TOPLEY PIKE, DERBYSHIRE and horseshoe bats. Managed in partnership with Devon Wildlife Trust, it forms part of a 190-hectare reserve and has excellent public access being on the Tarka Trail. The judges plan – include calcareous grassland were impressed that learnings from this site are being applied to other Imerys restoration and native broadleaved woodland as sites. The sensitive restoration and connectivity to the wider landscape has resulted in well as scrub, rock outcrop and river a naturalised and biodiverse site crammed full of priority plants, birds, invertebrates habitats – reflecting the character and and bats, and it introduces ‘natural’ habitat into an area of predominantly farmland, features of adjacent designated areas of contributing more wildlife-rich land under Lawton principles. Engagement with the local conservation and scientific interest. The judges community is also strong and plans for the site are exciting. were impressed by the review of restoration plans to go above and beyond requirements to remove the tip to benefit landscape and Sibelco – Headon & Shaugh Quarries, Devon; biodiversity, reflecting the lengthy discussions COMMENDED Brett – Lydd Quarry, Kent / East Sussex with a range of stakeholders.

MPA SPECIAL Mary Lane, Sibelco – For personal commitment and driving mire COMMENDED Tarmac – Dolyhir Quarry, Powys; Hanson – Newington & Mission Quarries, Nottinghamshire AWARD restoration at Headon and Shaugh Clay Quarries

9 MPA Restoration & Biodiversity Awards '19 Individual Achievement Personal commitment, drive and enthusiasm demonstrated by an individual or small group. ACHIEVEMENTS

SPECIALMPA He was Hanson UK ‘Achiever of the Martin Crow, National AWARD Sustainability Manager, Year’ in 1994 for a paper expounding Hanson the virtues of good quality restoration and public engagement and developed Martin has been instrumental in the the pioneering Hanson National Biodiversity development of restoration techniques & Geodiversity Action Plan in 2004, a format that and built an in-house team of specialist is now widely used. Prior to his recent retirement he landscape architects, ecologists, foresters, was an active participant and contributor to MPA work, geologists and engineers, and designed a wide range chairing the Sustainable Development Committee, and leaves of quarry developments and restoration schemes in an impressive legacy and fond memories. Southern England.

SPECIALMPA SPECIALMPA John Vine, Mineral Planning AWARD Martin Layer, Planning AWARD and Waste Recycling and Estates Manager, Manager, Imerys, Cornwall Smiths of Bletchington, Oxfordshire John’s personal drive and commitment has been instrumental in steering Imerys’ conservation work Martin has made significant contribution to MPA in the West Country, notably in the award-winning work over the years, including being a founding landscape-scale restoration of china clay workings. member of the Biodiversity & Nature Conservation Group.

A naturally gregarious and friendly character, building He has personally driven a number of award-winning relationships with the community and partners has restoration projects. He is engaged in local and national been second nature for John, and has helped to achieve conservation charities, particularly the Freshwater Habitats outstanding results. Trust, gaining him the nickname ‘Pondy’.

Brian Beales, Site Manager at CEMEX UK’s Wangford and Flixton Quarries, Suffolk; JOINT Dave Helliar and Alan Knight, volunteers at Aggregate Industries’ Chard Junction Quarry Nature Reserve, Somerset; WINNERS Vaughan Gray, Foreman at Tarmac’s Halecombe Quarry, Somerset.

FACT FILE THE MPA RESTORATION & BIODIVERSITY AWARDS

■ WHAT ARE THE AWARDS FOR? measurable and rigorous criteria. Projects from Natural England. They recognise exceptional achievement demonstrating long-term benefits ■ HOW DOES and future potential of the mineral to priority species and habitats are JUDGING TAKE PLACE? products industry in protecting and encouraged. enhancing the nation’s biodiversity. The Entries are invited in the spring ■ WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE AWARDS? awards reflect the fact that the industry is with judging taking place during the uniquely placed to benefit nature. Minerals sites of all types, including summer months, involving site visits, operational, restored and part-restored analysis of planning documents and ■ HOW OLD ARE THE AWARDS? quarries, manufacturing plants and even discussions with those involved, including Industry awards for quarry restoration areas of seabed that have been dredged third parties. have been around for more than 50 years. for aggregates. ■ HOW MANY ENTRIES ARE THERE? They have evolved over time and helped ■ WHO ARE THE JUDGES? to drive healthy competition that makes The awards typically attract up to 40 the UK a world leader in restoration. The independent judging panel entries from companies large and small, comprises eminent professionals with reflecting a wide and diverse range of ■ WHAT ARE THE CRITERIA? specialist knowledge of nature and innovative restoration schemes at Each category has its own specific, biodiversity, including representatives former mineral products sites.

10 HIGHWAYS

Hot gossip? Why do authorities seem reluctant to specify lower-carbon asphalts on their roads?

Asphalt is the best product for ensuring around 40% of production in the US and – it’s time to cut through these a safe, smooth and durable road more than 15% and growing in France. impediments so that highway authorities network. Yet lower-temperature, lower- Yet it represents less than 4% of asphalt can seize the WMA opportunity.” carbon innovations have so far received production in the UK. Richard Hayes, chief executive of the a lukewarm reception in the UK. Sir Christopher Chope OBE MP, chairman “ Institute of Highway Engineers, said: "The Now, a new report ‘Working for better of the APPG on Highways, said: “Everyone use of warm-mix asphalts within the UK roads’ commissioned and published by the has a part to play in tackling environmental will support the reduction in the carbon All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on issues for future generations and the footprint of road surfacing. However, this Highways seeks to reiterate both the lower majority of UK councils have already is not the only benefit, as WMA allows the carbon emissions and efficiency benefits of declared ‘climate emergencies’. new surface to be the returned to traffic warm-mix asphalt (WMA) on UK highway use much earlier, thus reducing delays projects. The use of warm-mix asphalts – a benefit that will be well received by road users." Production temperatures for hot-mix will reduce the carbon footprint asphalts can range from 120 to 190°C, of road surfacing. Responding to the report the Local while WMA is made at temperatures Government Association’s transport between 100 and 150°C. This means spokesman Cllr David Renard said: less energy is used and significant “This report aims to encourage those “Councils are already working with the carbon savings can be achieved without authorities which have responsibility private sector to adopt innovative practices compromising performance. for highways to put their support for and technology which maintains and environmental measures into practice improves the country’s roads, and are keen With WMA, CO emissions from production 2 without delay." to implement any new methods which can be reduced by around 15%, with “ can help to reduce carbon emissions, and reductions of 25% possible in some cases, Rick Green, chair of the Asphalt Industry disruption from potholes and damaged depending on product and plant. The use Alliance said: “Warm-mix asphalts can road surfaces. of WMAs also improves conditions for road provide solutions to deliver long-lasting workers through steam and fume reduction roads that also help to meet lower-carbon “Only with adequate funding can councils and, because less cooling time is required, objectives. pay for local services such as road carriageways can be re-opened earlier, maintenance. That is why we urge the “So far, take-up in the UK has been minimizing disruption for road users. Government to invest in councils and give frustrated by contract specifications them the financial certainty they need to Such benefits have long been recognised and guidance which require prolonged plan for the future.” – the product already accounts for processes for approvals and departure

The APPG on Highways seeks to increase knowledge and awareness of issues concerned with the proper provision and maintenance of our highways, with a focus on Local Authority roads. The Asphalt Industry Alliance is a partnership between the Mineral Products Association and Eurobitume UK. The report ‘Working for better roads – Warm Mix Asphalt: reducing carbon emissions and improving efficiencies’ was researched and funded by the Asphalt Industry Alliance (AIA), which jointly supports the APPG on Highways in conjunction with the Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE). The report can be downloaded at highwaysmaintenance.org/?p=247.

11 CLIMATE RESILIENCE FIRST DEFENCE proving theirworthasthefirstlineofdefenceagainstelements. From theravagesofcoastalerosiontofloodingfromfreakweather,aggregatesareyetagain 12 flooding canhave, it’smoreimportant So withthedevastatingimpacts that circumstances. for moreandbetterdefencesin most erosion willincrease,asthe need agreement thatfloodingandcoastal Climate changescientistsareinbroad short-term andoverthelong-term. and cost-effectivesolutionbothinthe provide themostversatile,fit-for-purpose relentless actionofwater,aggregates infrastructure arethreatenedbythe That’s becausewhenhomesand through thesummerof2019. has haditsfairshareofthelimelight media. Yetthismostbasicofmaterials the newsheadlinesinmainstream It’s notoftenthataggregatesmake emergency orlonger-term scheme– coastal defences–eitherforashort-term “Where there’saneedforflood and right placeandinthequantity? materials willbereadilyavailable inthe can authoritiesbecertainthattheright But inanemergencysituation,how aggregates towheretheywereneeded. services andeventhemilitarytoget working alongsideauthorities,emergency responded quicklyanddecisively, and theirsupply-chainpartners action hasbeenessential,MPAmembers In recentcases,whenurgentremedial from becomingdisasters. and takeurgentactiontopreventrisks livelihoods, preservevitalinfrastructure than evertoprotecthomesand

“ suppliers.” plan inplacewiththeirlocalaggregates would bewiseforauthoritiesto havea often thecasewithsevereweather –it the needforaggregatesisurgent –asis in acrisis,whenspeedisessential and assumed underanycircumstancesbut “A guaranteedsupplymustnotbe and MarineAggregates. Director forPlanning,MineralResources said MarkRussell,theMPA’sExecutive demand formaterialscanbemet,” it isfundamentaltoensurethepotential Where there’saneedforflood defences itisfundamental to ensurethedemandfor materials canbemet. “ AVERTING DISASTER: Whaley Bridge, Derbyshire

In August, Whaley Bridge was thrown into the spotlight after heavy rains caused a torrent of water to damage the spillway of the Toddbrook Dam, prompting fears of a total collapse.

Whilst 1,500 people were being evacuated from the Derbyshire town, a team from CEMEX UK’s Dove Holes Quarry was working around the clock to supply 2,500 tonnes of limestone to support the efforts to shore-up the dam.

Some of the aggregate was bagged by CEMEX UK business partner TCA for delivery by Chinook helicopter to the dam itself, whilst the rest was delivered by lorry to build the temporary roads for pumps and vehicles to access the reservoir.

Work to repair the dam could take several years and will require hundreds, if not thousands, of cubic metres of concrete.

RAPID RESPONSE: Wainfleet, Lincolnshire

In June, two months’ worth of rain poured across Lincolnshire in just two days. As a result, many communities faced the threat of flooding and some were directly impacted.

In response Aggregate Industries’ Woodhall Spa Quarry initially supplied the village of Kirkby-on-Bain with 450 sand bags to barricade roads and divert rising water into lakes and rivers, as well as lining doors to protect homes and local businesses.

Two days later the team received a request from Lincolnshire Police for emergency aid in Wainfleet where the River Steeping had burst its banks prompting the evacuation of more than 500 homes.

The first loads of bulk ballast bags were delivered soon after, with a Chinook helicopter deployed to place them into the breaches of Main image © Ben Birchall / PA Archive Images the river. In total more than 400 bags were supplied and more material has since been supplied as part of a more permanent fix to the river bank.

LONG-TERM PROTECTION: Bacton, Norfolk

This summer, 2.7 million tonnes of sand were deposited on a stretch of eroding Norfolk coastline in an innovative ‘sandscaping’ scheme to protect nationally important energy infrastructure.

The new 6km-long ‘dune’ will help to defend Bacton gas terminal, which imports around a third of the UK's gas supply but, after decades of coastal erosion, lay just metres from a receding cliff edge.

The sand, which comes from a licenced dredging area in the North Sea, is expected to be shifted by waves and tides to keep the gas terminal and nearby villages protected for 20 years. The project is the first of its kind in the UK but the concept could work elsewhere.

In the past two decades, almost 30 million tonnes of marine sand and gravel has been used for coastal defence purposes around the

13 CLIMATE RESILIENCE HOME 14 and masonry. high performancehomesusingconcrete design anddeliveryoflong-lasting and technicalexpertisetoenablethe Conference providedthelatestguidance This month,theResilientHousing can deliverallthesethings. homes builtwithconcreteandmasonry part-recycled and100%recyclable.Only with materialsthatarelocallysourced, neighbours. Evenbetterifthey’remade extremes, outbreaksoffireandnoisy They needtoberesilientweather maintenance andlong-lasting. cost-effective, energy-efficient,low- our heads’wewanthomestobe these days.Farfrombeinga'roofover We expectalotofthehumblehouse performance credentialsofbrick,blockandconcrete. Delivering resilient,durablehigh-qualityhomesdependsonthe TRUTHS ■ resilience issuessuchas: designed anddeliveredtoaddresskey – lookedathowourhousingcanbe Association andTheConcreteCentre Modern Masonry,BrickDevelopment The event–acollaborationbetween ■ ■ ■ ■ cool aswellwarm – greaterneedtokeepourbuildings Warming climateandoverheatingrisk recyclability of materialsupply,lowercarbonand Sustainability credentials–traceability thermal performance – improvedenergyefficiencyand Energy availabilityandfuelpoverty population andmoreurbanliving accommodate anincreasingelderly Changing demographics–to storm events risk –increasedoffloodingand Changing weatherpatternsandflood reuse andend-of-lifepotential.” in-use performance,andtheiranticipated materials, theirdesign,constructionand the building,intermsofselection address bothcradle-to-graveimpactsof to make.Trulyresilienthomeswill components haveamajorcontribution “Concrete andmasonryconstruction and withminorcostimplications. performance, addressingarangeofrisks significant improvementstolong-term quite simpleinterventionscanmake property, thisisnotalwaysthecaseand a significantimpactonthelookof “While somedesigndecisionsmayhave Ackerman, DirectorofTheConcreteCentre. material components,”saidClaire the selectionanddetailingofappropriate enhanced simplyandeffectivelythrough “The resilienceofanewhomecanbe ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ homes toensurelong-termviability: many ofthechallengesbuildingresilient masonry cangoalongwaytoaddressing The inherentpropertiesofconcreteand associated risksandimpacts. basic designadviceonreducingthe resilient housingisavailablewhichincludes Alongside theevent,guidancetodeliver ■ www.concretecentre.com For moreinformation anddownloads,visit: industry researchto thedesigncommunity seminars, courses,onlineresourcesand Concrete Centreprovidesdesignguidance, to realisethepotentialofmaterial.The design, useandperformanceofconcrete aim istoenableallthoseinvolvedinthe Products Association,TheConcreteCentre’s The ConcreteCentreispartoftheMineral Robustness Durability Acoustic performance Fire resistance Thermal mass Flood resilience thermal comfort resistance, healthandwellbeing, Occupant safetyandcomfort–fire INFRASTRUCTURE Concrete record set at Hinkley Point NEWS A new record for the largest continuous previous record set at the Shard in London. concrete pour in England has been set Materials supplied by Hanson to other at EDF Energy’s Hinkley Point C nuclear newsaspects of Hinkley Point C include 51,000 power station in Somerset. cubic metres of concrete, 2.5 million tonnes Hanson supplied the materials to make the of aggregates, 210,000 tonnes of marine sand, concrete for the 9,000 cubic metre, five- 65,000 tonnes of cement, 105,000 tonnes of day pour to build the last of five reinforced slag cement and 125,000 tonnes of asphalt. transported by sea to the project, helping to segments that make up the giant cross- remove tens of thousands of lorry journeys, And thanks to a new 500-metre-long jetty, shaped foundation for the first nuclear and the associated emissions and traffic from thousands of tonnes of aggregate will be reactor. The record-breaking pour beat the roads in the area.

RECYCLING MARINE Investments all at sea?

Two MPA members have made long-term commitments to British marine aggregates by investing in new state-of-the-art ships.

CEMEX UK has become the first company to launch a new marine aggregates dredger for more than 20 years. And Hanson has also given the go-ahead for a new aggregate dredger to join its marine fleet in 2021. The vessels are the first of a new generation of dredgers designed to extract sand and gravel from the seabed in the most efficient way possible.

Mark Russell, the MPA’s Executive Director for Planning, Mineral Resources & Marine Aggregates said: “Marine aggregates meet a significant proportion of the total demand, with almost 20 million tonnes of sand and Driving up resource gravel extracted from licensed areas around England and Wales in 2018. “Each new-build vessel can cost upwards of £30 million, so these are efficiency in London significant long-term investments based on confidence in the important role of marine aggregates in meeting the demand for materials over the A central London street is believed to be the first in the country next 15 years and beyond.” to be resurfaced with asphalt containing 80 per cent recycled materials.

FM Conway worked with Westminster City Council to challenge accepted norms and push up the percentage of reclaimed asphalt in the new road surface on Sutherland Avenue in Westminster.

The project builds on the company’s work on the A40 in west London which was resurfaced with asphalt containing 50 per cent recycled ‘high-PSV’ surface aggregate. That was the first time a top layer containing such a high proportion of recycled material has been used on a busy main road outside of trial conditions.

Traditionally, the amount of recycled asphalt has been limited to 50 per cent for the lower layers of roads and just 10 per cent for surface courses on main roads. INNOVATION

EDUCATION Motorway is tyred out A new road surface using recycled tyres is being trialled on the M1 motorway by Highways England. A section of the southbound Vids for kids carriageway near Leicester has been laid with rubberised asphalt, The creators of fun, educational videos for pre-school children developed by Tarmac, that uses granulated waste tyres in the mix. recently visited two Hills Quarry Products sites for their latest The trial will test the durability of the surface on a busy part of the films. Kids Trucks TV visited Shorncote Quarry in the Cotswold road network. Tarmac estimates that up to 750 waste tyres could Water Park, Gloucestershire and Newbury concrete plant to make be used in each kilometre of road surfaced with the new material. films that will give children an insight into the mineral products Hopes are high that the innovation could be a solution to tackling the industry with eye-catching visuals, songs, sounds and spelling. millions of disused tyres piling up every year.

15 Uniquely placed

BIODIVERSITY Mineral products companies are uniquely placed to increase biodiversity by creating new habitats for wildlife through quarry restoration.

To celebrate the industry’s achievements in creating amazing photographs capturing the ecological diversity on operating and spaces for nature, the MPA hosted its third biennial photo restored quarry sites. competition for member company employees and conservation The winners in the two categories – employees and volunteers volunteers at restored mineral sites. – were announced at the MPA’s Quarries & Nature conference Hundreds of entries were received from all over the UK – the and awards in October 2019. Winners receive vouchers for judges’ task was tougher than ever with some truly outstanding photographic equipment. Employees Volunteers MPA member companies For conservation organisations

1st 1st Place Place

Roy McDonald, Beds, Cambs & Northants Wildlife Trust, Dave Soons, Aggregate Industries, short-eared owl, Totternhoe Knolls Nature Reserve, hobby, Cotswold Water Park, Wiltshire Bedfordshire

3rd 2nd Place Place 3rd 2nd Place Place

Linda Thompson, Irish Salt Mining & Exploration Co Ltd, common lizard, Malcolm Jarvis, broad-bodied chaser Kilroot Quarry, Co Antrim John J Kaczanow, Devon Wildlife Trust, dragonfly, Blackhill Quarry, Devon Dave Barnes, Hanson, whiskered bat, Sourton Quarry Nature stoat, Almington Quarry, Staffordshire Reserve, Devon 16