Plans announced for restoration of Nosterfield Quarry
The agreement between Tarmac, operator of Nosterfield Quarry near Ripon, and the Lower Ure Conservation Trust (LUCT) will restore the site into a biodiverse, historic wetland landscape after extraction activities cease.
The renewed partnership follows Tarmacβs new planning approval to extract one million tonnes of sand and gravel from the North Yorkshire site by 2031.
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 providing new public access and encouraging engagement with nature.”
The shared vision, formalised through a newly signed memorandum of understanding (MoU), outlines plans to transform the site into a nature-focused landscape by 2050.
The scheme aims to celebrate the areaβs deep heritage while creating lasting conservation legacies and opening the site to the public.
Tarmac and LUCT have worked together for two decades, already converting a section of the quarried land into the Nosterfield Nature Reserve.
Managed by LUCT, the reserve is now considered one of the best examples of wetland grassland in the north of England.
It supports more than 200 bird species, 20 butterfly species, and hundreds of vascular plant species such as wildflowers and grasses.
The reserve also serves as a community hub, hosting wellbeing walks, wildlife workshops and volunteer-led group visits.
On the western end of the existing quarry, LUCT has established reedbeds and fen habitat, alongside 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 Hengesβknown as the “Stonehenge of the North.”
Tarmac previously owned part of the henges site but has since gifted it and it is managed by English Heritage.
Simon Warwick, director at LUCT, said: “This MoU is a positive step on our shared journey toward shaping the future of the Nosterfield and Thornborough landscape.
“For decades, weβve 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.”