Conserving Whin grasslands for future generations
Whin grassland sites, which are home to some of Britain's rarest plant species such as wild chives, maiden pink, and spignel have dwindled over the last ten years, with a dramatic reduction from over 100 sites in 1980 to only 20 intact sites in 2008. Mike Young, Tarmac's Northumberland estates manager, explains how Tarmac and its biodiversity partners are conserving areas of unique grassland for future generations.
Whin grasslands are extremely rare and occur on skeletal soils developed on outcrops along Northumberland's "Great Whin Sill", a quartz-dolerite rock stretching from Greenhead in the south-west to Bamburgh and Holy Island in the north. The soil conditions here encourage its growth and provide an ideal environment for spring and early summer annual plants and drought-tolerant perennials. These grasslands also provide sturdy foundations for historic landmarks such as Hadrian's Wall and Bamburgh Castle.
Along with the Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Northumberland County Council and the University of Newcastle, Tarmac formed a 'Whin Grassland Partnership' with the aim of conserving these grasslands.
Biodiversity is really important to us and as part of our Northumberland Biodiversity Action Plan, which includes seven Tarmac quarries in the region, we wanted to look at ways we could encourage further growth of the whin grassland already in existence at Barrasford, Howick and Belford quarries. In order to do this, we needed to learn more about the unique soil conditions which provide a habitat for one of the most important grasslands in the UK.
We approached our biodiversity partner, the University of Newcastle, who conducted field research at the Gunnerton Nick trial site within Barrasford quarry in an attempt to identify environmental factors required for the grasslands to exist. John Gowing at the University managed the field research project undertaken by one of his MSc students. This investigation involved the selection of twelve sample sites in disturbed and undisturbed areas to capture variations in rock formations such as limestone and whinstone. Samples were collected and analysed to try and achieve a better understanding of the importance of soil mineralogy, depth, texture and pH.
Tarmac plans to use the research findings to recreate the ideal conditions for the growth of whin grassland at Turner's trial area (a former quarry site) within Barrasford quarry in spring 2009. Should the trials be a success, we also aim to encourage its growth as part of restoration schemes at quarries in Howick and Belford.
For more information please Contact PR.
11 February 2009
