CEMEX’s Willington Quarry in Egginton, UK has welcomed around 50 cows to the team as part of restoration work.
The cows are the latest stage of ongoing restoration work at the quarry which consists of three worked out gravel pits that are now native grassland.
The cows will provide low-intensity grazing, reducing the need for mechanical mowing and the use of weedkiller.
Using cattle for grazing helps to encourage biodiversity in restored land and it is hoped that over time it will help to improve the habitat available in the restored areas of Willington.
Long-term, the restoration of Willington will produce a great wetland location with ponds, fen, and wet grassland.
The restored quarry will also provide vital wet woodland that rare species such as Willow Tit depend on, complimenting the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust’s site alongside the quarry.
CEMEX sees the restoration of its quarries as a vital part of its environmental efforts, as part of its dedicated sustainability strategy Future in Action.
It works closely with partner the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) to ensure Biodiversity Management Plans are in place at its UK quarries.
To date, CEMEX has restored more than 1000 hectares of priority habitat across the UK.
“It’s important that when our work is finished at the quarry, the land is restored to a high standard so it can be an asset to the local community and a home for many diverse wildlife species,” Willington quarry manager Bill Newton said.
“We’ve been keen to introduce cattle to the site for some time and I’m very happy that they have now arrived with us.
“We’re excited to see how they can positively impact the biodiversity of the restored areas and the habitat available – and they certainly help make the landscape even more picturesque!”