The Mineral Products Association (MPA), the trade association for the aggregates, asphalt, cement, concrete, dimension stone, lime, mortar and silica sand industries, has launched its new National Nature Park – a nationwide network of quarries that have been restored for wildlife and which are accessible to the public. The online resource includes 50 sites around the country totalling 4,000 hectares, with a range of facilities including nature trails, viewing hides and visitor centres.
This is a web based concept which, at launch, highlights 50 sites around the country where members can provide public access to sites where the MPA has proven restoration success and biodiversity achievements.
Nigel Jackson, Chief Executive MPA, said: “This is a landmark moment. This great industry has hidden its light under a bushel for far too long and finally we are beginning to build a potentially new asset for the UK with this new National Nature Park. It is our aim to double the number of quarries in the network to 100 over the nest 2 years or so.
“The new Park will become part of the industry’s legacy. This is part of our contribution to what Sir John Lawton was aiming at in the review of England’s wildlife and ecological network, ‘more, bigger, better, joined up’.
“The minerals industry has already delivered 5,000 hectares of priority habitats through restoration of quarries, the equivalent of at least five 'Richmond Parks', with a further 5,000 hectares planned. We are therefore uniquely placed to contribute to delivery of national and local biodiversity targets. Our new National Nature Park is part of this story – a growing and nationally significant area that has great wildlife which can be enjoyed by visitors.”
