A PARTNERSHIP to restore a major North Yorkshire quarry when it ceases operations in 2031 has been agreed, paving the way for the creation of new wildlife-rich habitats and public access to a unique historic, wetland landscape.

Tarmac, the operator of Nosterfield Quarry near Ripon, and the Lower Ure Conservation Trust (LUCT), an expert conservation charity, have agreed to develop a shared vision for Nosterfield Quarry and the wider historic landscape. This will ultimately see the creation of a revitalised wetland landscape that celebrates thousands of years of heritage and supports nature for people to experience and enjoy.

In March 2024, Tarmac secured planning approval to extract a million tonnes of sand and gravel until 2031 to provide essential construction materials for housebuilding and infrastructure projects for North Yorkshire and the Northeast of England.

A new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with LUCT builds on two decades of collaboration and has enhanced the working relationship between both partners. It has formalized the vision by 2050 to create a long-term conservation legacy and provide public access to the restored site.

The new agreement sees the business and charity work even more closely together, continuing their well-established partnership, which has already created the Nosterfield Nature Reserve on part of the site that was previously quarried. Managed by LUCT, the nature reserve is regarded as one of the best examples of wetland grassland in the North of England and is home to over 200 bird species, 20 butterfly species and hundreds of vascular plant species such as wildflowers and grasses.

The reserve has become a hub for the local community, hosting events such as wellbeing walks and wildlife workshops, as well as guided group visits delivered by volunteers.

To the western end of the existing quarry, LUCT has established reedbeds and fen habitat and developed a dedicated plant nursery to grow rare local wildflowers and ancient fenland species. These are being used to restore the quarry, as well as the Thornborough Henges, the “Stonehenge of the North”, a part of the site formerly owned by Tarmac, which has now been gifted and is managed by English Heritage.

Commenting on the partnership, Jenny Oldroyd, restoration manager at Tarmac, said: ‘As a long-term custodian of the quarry and surrounding land, we are committed to the full restoration of Nosterfield. By enhancing our partnership with LUCT, we are bringing together our collective expertise in restoration and wildlife habitats to ultimately extend the Lower Ure wetland landscape. The restoration will strengthen biodiversity with pioneering and best practice restoration techniques, as well as providing new public access and encouraging engagement with nature.’

Simon Warwick, director at LUCT, added: ‘This MoU is a positive step on our shared journey toward shaping the future of the Nosterfield and Thornborough landscape. For decades, we’ve worked to reveal the extraordinary natural and cultural story held within this place.

‘Through this strengthened collaboration, we can work with Tarmac to scope and agree an appropriately resourced restoration and aftercare approach that honours the area's ancient heritage, enhances habitats for rare and recovering species and widens opportunities for people to connect with this remarkable landscape.’

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