The team at CEMEX’s Willington quarry in Egginton have welcomed some new members to the team – 50 dairy young cattle stock!

These new additions are the latest stage of the restoration work that is taking place at the site. The cattle will perform a valuable role, providing low-intensity grazing that is better for wildlife and reduces 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. This area covers three worked out gravel pits, which are now native grassland.

Long-term, the restoration of Willington will produce a great wetland location with ponds, fen and wet grassland along with vital wet woodland that rare species such as Willow Tit depend on, complimenting the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust’s site which sits 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.

Bill Newton, Quarry Manager at Willington, said: “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.

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!”