Case Study - Kings Lynn Quarry - Pt 6

Wicken North Heathland Restoration

Following the completion of silica sand extraction in Wicken North site in 1991, the quarry area was contoured and two lakes created. Parts of the site were seeded and parts were left to naturally re-generate pending the completion of the permitted restoration to commercial forestry.

It became clear in the intervening period, that the site had developed a significant nature conservation interest, which would render the consented restoration to commercial forestry inappropriate. As a result, WBB MINERALS put in place a programme of positive management to encourage heathland and acid grassland development. This included control of thistle, ragwort, birch and bracken. The site is also grazed by South Devon cattle which help to manage and enhance the vegetation structure that heathland and grassland fauna require.

Wicken North is now rich in biological diversity and improving annually. The site already includes many bird species including nationally rare species like, skylark, woodlark, lapwing, grey partridge and nightjar. Yellow hammers nest and feed in the areas of gorse stands and Brown Hare are breeding on the site.

The natural richness of the site reflects the variety of habitat types found varying from acid and calcareous grasslands to an extending area of heathland. These areas are interspersed with a mosaic of gorse and broom stands, providing habitats for birds and a wide range of invertebrates. The site hosts many species, including moths, butterflies and dragonflies, some nationally rare.

The long term management aim for the site is to develop further the existing management plan by continuing to monitor and record species found on the site. The company is dong this by using expert advice from ecologists and volunteers. WBB MINERALS also invests time and money in the management of the site, with the aim of bringing the area into the best possible condition contributing to Norfolk’s biodiversity aims.

In particular the site will contribute over 35% of the target heathland creation in Norfolk outside of the Brecks.

In 2003, the site received an award from CPRE (Norfolk) for “Contribution to Conservation and Improvement of the Countryside”.