Reinforcing its commitment to protecting and enhancing biodiversity, independent company Longcliffe Quarries Ltd is celebrating eight years of sponsoring Derbyshire Wildlife Trust (DWT), the charity which aims to protect species and wild spaces in the area.

As well as being one of many Derbyshire-based organisations to commit to an annual membership, Longcliffe also partners with the charity in the management of two nature reserves in former operational sites: Peak Quarry and Hoe Grange Quarry.

These two sites clearly show how previously operational quarries can be restored with respect for local flora and fauna and deliver biodiversity benefits for the long-term.

Hoe Grange - a disused limestone quarry - is an important hub for biodiversity in the county*. It is rich in a range of flora and fauna including birds and amphibians, as well as the butterflies for which it is most well-known. Of the 32 species of butterfly found in Derbyshire, 29 have so far been recorded at Hoe Grange, including the endangered Wall Brown.

In a ‘Citizen Science’ project, DWT will be working with Butterfly Conservation East Midlands to run volunteer-led transects to continue to record the rich diversity of butterflies discovered in this wildlife-rich five-hectare reserve.

Peak Quarry also boasts a wide variety of butterflies and other wildlife with the limestone grasslands and small ponds providing rich habitats.

Longcliffe’s Group Planning and Estates Manager John Bradshaw went along to Peak Quarry to meet DWT’s Fundraising Officer Nicole Benjamin, to take delivery of the company’s membership certificate, and check in on the latest biodiversity developments at the site.

“We are pleased to be able to continue our partnership with DWT, not only with our annual membership, but also with our practical work with them at the nature reserves in our former operational quarries,” says John.

“Also, DWT provide a valuable source of expertise and guidance when it comes to creating wildlife habitats to achieve restoration objectives for our operational quarries.”

“Supporting this charity’s vital work to protect and enhance wild spaces in the County complements Longcliffe’s own commitment to improving biodiversity where we can, adding to the living landscape of the Derbyshire Dales.”

Nicole Benjamin, Fundraising Officer at Derbyshire Wildlife Trust added: “A huge thank you to Longcliffe for their continued support as a corporate partner of Derbyshire Wildlife Trust. Celebrating eight years of partnership is a fantastic milestone, and their commitment has made a real difference to our nature recovery plans and rewilding projects across Derbyshire.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have developed long-standing partnerships with local and regional businesses who share our concern for nature. Through their membership, donations, fundraising and ongoing support, partners like them help us achieve far more for wildlife and people than we ever could alone.”

*Please note that Hoe Grange is only open to the public on special event days. It is also currently not open due to rockface safety improvements being carried out. If you would like to arrange access to either reserve, please contact [email protected].