Bringing Aggregates Sites to Life - resources page

Managing Aggregates Sites for Invertebrates - a best practice guide (1.1MB)

UKBAP

The minerals and aggregates industries have an important role to play in delivering national and local Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) targets for habitats and species.

There are enormous opportunities for creating BAP habitats such as lowland heathland, calcareous grassland and reedbed through site restoration schemes where appropriate (see the Nature After Minerals website for more information). Many rare and scarce invertebrates can benefit from the creation of these habitats, for example the Heath tiger beetle (Cicindela sylvatica) and Silver-studded blue butterfly (Plebejus argus) can colonise restored lowland heathland - particularly the early stages of vegetation establishment.

The latest UKBAP review has address bare ground and early-successional habitat mosaics as a Priority Habitat: Open Habitat Mosaics on Previously Developed Land. Ponds have also been added - both of these habitats are of high value to invertebrates, and can be conserved, enhanced and created through the appropriate management of aggregates and minerals sites.

A number of UKBAP invertebrates are associated with minerals sites, in particular the bare ground and open mosaic habitats. Click here for a list of species.