biodiversity

Biodiversity Advice and Resources for the Aggregates Industry

Our Nature with Aggregates seeks to assist the industry in optimising biodiversity and geodiversity opportunities on aggregates sites in Northern Ireland.

QPANI endeavers to share best practice information and advice on biodiversity, geodiversity, restoration, habitat and species conservation.

"Communicate best practice management for biodiversity and geodiversity including working procedures to maintain and enhance the extent of habitats and species in and around aggregate sites (with regard to any restoration plans and planning requirements already in place), with priority given to those holding UK and NI BAP Priority Species, Species of Conservation Concern and locally important species."

Download available resources and links to best practice in the Aggregates Industry:

Wise Use of Water & Importance of our Natural Rivers
Pond Creation Tool Kit for Aggregate Sites
Managing Aggregate Sites for Invertebrates: a best practice guide
RSPB Nature After Minerals
Invasive Species Ireland
Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund

A publication produced by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and QPANI.	Wise Use of Water Guidance for Wise Use of Water in the Aggregates and Quarry Industry Northern Ireland The document is written in five sections, each section focusing on a particular water related topic. The first section focuses on water and why it should be managed, the second section on pollution prevention, and the third on discharge consent compliance monitoring and maintenance, the fourth on the importance of water for biodiversity. The last section gives key recommendations. Links are made to Pollution Prevention Guidelines (PPGs) and related information including the NIEA's Water Calculation Tools. Loughs Agency provided guidance on The Importance of Our Natural Rivers detailing their ongoing programmes of habitat improvement works and public money spend. The Loughs Agency wish to work with QPANI in developing partnerships and education rather than being a purely based regulator and looks forward to any proposal or suggestions from within the industry. The key message emanating from this document is that "*effective water management within the quarry will deliver both environmental and commercial benefits to the business". Download:* Guidance for the Wise Use of Water in the Aggregates and Quarry Industry Northern Ireland (2.0MB) Importance of our Natural Rivers (4.05MB)

	Pond Conservation Pond Creation Tool Kit for Aggregate Sites Pond Conservation is the national charity dedicated to creating and protecting ponds and the wildlife they support. In 2007, ponds were added to the list of priority habitats in the UK BAP. The Pond Creation Toolkit for Aggregate Sites provides advice on all aspects of pond creation. The focus is on pond creation as part of the restoration of aggregate extraction sites, but much of the information produced will be of use to a range of professionals and the public. QPANI welcomes the detailed guidance from Pond Conservation and will endeavour members' to work with partner Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) to provide information and advice. Click here to jump to the Pond Creation Tool Kit

	Buglife Managing Aggregate Sites for Invertebrates: a best practice guide. Buglife-The Invertebrate Conservation Trust is the first organisation in Europe devoted to the conservation of all invertebrates; aim is to halt the extinction of invertebrate species and to achieve sustainable populations of invertebrates. A number of UKBAP invertebrates are associated with minerals sites, in particular the bare ground and open mosaic habitats. Natural regeneration from bare soils can provide habitat of high ecological value. QPANI seek to explore this option in the design of restoration schemes to benefit local biodiversity and will liaise with industy, planners, EHS and NGOs. Click here to jump to Buglife resources for the aggregates industry.

	RSPB Nature After Minerals Detailed guidance about UK Priority Habitats and creation techniques. Highlights the contribution the minerals industry in England could make to UK BAP habitat creation targets and addressing the delivery of this potential contribution with an interactive website that provides guidance and advice to the industry to the industry on habitat creation end-uses. QPANI welcomes the advice and guidance from the RSPB, and to develop and promote the Nature After Minerals Project in Northern Ireland. www.afterminerals.com

	Invasive Species Ireland Invasive non-native plant and animal species are the second greatest threat to biodiversity worldwide after habitat destruction. They can negatively impact on native species, can transform habitats and threaten whole ecosystems causing serious problems to the environment and the economy. Best Practice Management Guidance Documents are available for terrestrial and freshwater habitats. The documents give site managers/owners the information needed to successfully and methodically manage/eradicate these high impact invasive alien species. Invasive non-native species of concern to QPANI members' are Giant hogweed, Japanese knotweed, Himalayan balsam and Zebra mussel (Lough Neagh Sand Traders). www.invasivespeciesireland.com

	Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund (ALSF) Over the past six years, the ALSF has initiated a host of research projects that have generated a much better understanding of sustainability within the industry and the ways in which it can be achieved. This website provides access to the twelve reviews and facilitates links to related research and projects. The reviews have been grouped under four key themes: Theme 1 - Reducing the Environmental Effect Theme 2 - Sustainable Provision of Aggregates Theme 3 - Creating Environmental Improvements Theme 4 - Heritage www.sustainableaggregates.com