Restoration & Biodiversity

Mountsorrel Quarry

We are committed to managing our operations at Mountsorrel Quarry in a way that supports the diverse wildlife that calls the site home, whilst also being a good neighbour to those living and working nearby.

Through the progressive restoration of the quarry, we have successfully restored 60 hectares of land, turning them into diverse ecosystems that support a range of species, from endangered birds to butterflies, and allowing them to flourish.

  • We have now completed the restoration of land southwest of the quarry off Kinchley Lane, known as Site 2. Permissive footpaths will be opened across the site, and we are working with Charnwood Geopark to create a viewing area with interpretation boards, making it a place where local people can visit, learn and enjoy the landscape.
  • Biodiversity is a key consideration at Mountsorrel Quarry, with operations carefully managed to coexist with and support local wildlife. Informed by specialist ecologists, quarrying activities are adapted to protect sensitive species and habitats, particularly during critical periods such as breeding and hibernation. The site provides refuge for a range of protected and notable species, including badgers, peregrine falcons and sand martins, with operational practices adjusted to avoid disturbance to setts and nesting areas.

    • Our successful restoration projects to date include:

    Broad Hill

    First quarried some 200 years ago, Broad Hill has been restored using by-product from a previous extension of the quarry. Areas of grass heathland have been nurtured and we recently opened a public footpath across the site, which has become extremely popular with local walkers and visitors to the community.

    Buddon Wood

    A mixed birch and oak woodland, Buddon Wood was designated as a site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in 1954. Working closely with Natural England, we have developed a comprehensive management plan to balance our need for stone extraction with retaining the surrounding woodland.

    We have successfully enhanced the condition of the woodland by removing non-native species – such as sycamore and rhododendron – and controlling bramble and bracken growth. Our management strategy will be in place for the full lifetime of the quarry.

    The Conservation Volunteers

    We currently have a five-year partnership with The Conservation Volunteers (TCV). Through getting hands on experience working on some of our conservation projects, local people have the opportunity to connect with nature and learn about the environment. 

    You can read more about our partnership with TCV below. 

    Learn more
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    Board 6 Final Proposals Scheme
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    Board 7 Final Restoration Scheme