May 2006

ON THE AWARD WINNING TRAIL WITH BARDON AGGREGATES

Bardon Aggregates, an Aggregate Industries company, has again reinforced its commitment to the environment and the local community through the development and creation of its award winning nature trail.

Having being awarded the Huncote Environmental Award by the local Parish Council, the nature trail, which has been constructed near to the company’s quarry at Croft in Leicestershire, will give local people access into an area containing many diverse habitats and an abundance of interesting wildlife. The Croft nature trail, located near the Croft quarry in Leicestershire will be officially opened on Tuesday 25 October at 15.00 by Councillor Ernie White, the leader of Blaby district council.

Graeme King, estates manager for Bardon Aggregates in the Midlands, outlines the company’s plans, “The works, which are funded under the FLAG scheme administered by Leicestershire County Council, have taken place on land situated between Croft Quarry and the village of Huncote. They include the construction of over one kilometre of metalled footpaths, 300 metres of timber board walk and possibly the longest flight of wooden steps in the county. These afford panoramic views over the quarry and spectacular views of the beautiful Leicestershire County.”

The FLAG (Forward with Leicestershire Aggregate Grant) scheme was introduced by Leicestershire County Council in order to provide funding to communities which are in close proximity to quarrying operations and activities, where it can be demonstrated that a positive community will be derived.

Graeme continues, “In addition picnic areas and observation/interpretation points, giving views over the adjacent Croft Quarry, have been constructed. The footpaths and entry gate into the nature trail have also been specifically designed to afford access to wheelchair users and people with pushchairs.”

Once open, local people can expect to see a variety of flora and fauna in the different habitats along the Nature Walk.

The river course and pond areas will attract birds such as kingfishers and swans and the flood meadow area is a popular breeding ground for bog plants, whilst gorse can be seen growing on the new hill which has already attracted an assortment of butterflies and insects.

Ernie White, the County Council's Cabinet lead member for Community Services who is due to cut the ribbon and open the nature walk, said, “I’m very pleased that the County Council's FLAG Grant scheme was able to assist with this project. The works, which Bardon Aggregates has undertaken, will allow more visitors to appreciate the countryside and wildlife in this area and also to learn more about its history and the work at Croft Quarry."

Bardon Aggregates’ Croft Quarry is at the heart of Aggregate Industries’ operations in the Midlands and is a key quarry in its UK portfolio.

 

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