Island firm HJ Bennett, together with the owners of Isle of Wight Lavender, are working to return a former quarry on the outskirts of Newport back to a haven for nature to thrive.
Whilst many Island residents and visitors will be familiar with the Isle of Wight Lavender farm located just outside Newport, most will not have seen the work over many years at the nearby quarry site where gravel has been extracted to go into the construction of the Island’s homes and roads.
With the quarry now closed, HJ Bennett are working closely with the owners to return the site to nature. A project that reflects a commitment and investment into the Island’s wildlife that will take a number of years to complete.
The two parties are working closely with conservation experts and planners to make the most of the site, which includes 4 landscaped lakes and extensive heathland.
Nigel Bennett, owner of HJ Bennett said:
“We didn’t want to miss this vital opportunity to provide habitat for the Islands wildlife and rare species and are working jointly with the owners to make this a real legacy for the Island.”
Shallow pond margins are being created for wading birds to feed and breed, with specific plant cover being used to connect the waterside to heathland and open areas. This includes hibernation habitats and areas left open for natural restoration to encourage bees, butterflies and reptiles such as adders to the area. In addition to this, bluffs and cliffs around the lake edges are aimed at encouraging kingfishers and sand martins to the site with raised mounds providing potential habitat for ground dwelling creatures.
Former RSPB conservation director Mark Avery, commented:
”Quarries can have a major impact on the landscape – but once they have reached the end of their life they have a fantastic potential to deliver habitats for threatened wildlife.”
