Tarmac’s Crown Farm Quarry near Northwich stands as a beacon of environmental stewardship and community collaboration, thanks to a long-standing partnership with Cheshire Wildlife Trust (CWT). Since 2019, this partnership has transformed the site from an active mineral extraction zone into a model of sustainable quarrying and award-winning restoration.
Restoring nature through partnership
With a shared commitment to biodiversity, Tarmac and Cheshire Wildlife Trust have managed 17 hectares of restored land at Crown Farm, restoring a diverse mix of habitats, from acidic and neutral grasslands to woodland and wetland. The site now supports more than 70 bird species, including skylark and lapwing & 20 butterfly species. The neutral grassland is home to three species of orchid with over 500 individual spikes counted during the 2023 survey season.
Jenny Oldroyd, Restoration Manager at Tarmac said: “Our collaboration with Cheshire Wildlife Trust is central to our long-term vision for the site. By combining operational excellence with ecological insight, we’re proving that industrial land can be a critical asset in reversing biodiversity loss.”
Cheshire Wildlife Trust’s involvement includes managing habitats under a 10-year overarching plan and implementing tailored biennial workplans. Its conservation leadership has ensured the restoration process not only meets regulatory standards but also maximises ecological value.
“We’re proud to work alongside Tarmac to bring nature back to Crown Farm,” said Ben Gregory, Director of Nature Recovery from Cheshire Wildlife Trust. “This site is now a living example of how business and conservation can thrive together. The thing that staggers me the most with Crown Farm is that some of the habitats on the site are less than five years old and yet they’re already supporting such a diverse range of species”.
Investing in the community
The impact of the partnership extends beyond biodiversity. With Tarmac’s support, more than 2,500 school pupils have visited Crown Farm through School Legacy Projects. These hands-on educational sessions, ranging from pond dipping to den building, help students connect with the natural world. Additionally, 144 teachers from 17 local schools have benefited from training and guidance on outdoor learning and nature-based education.
Scout and Guide groups have also engaged with the site, learning about conservation in action while enjoying access to real-world environmental education.
“Tarmac’s commitment to education is about building a lasting legacy,” Jenny added. “Inspiring young people to value nature ensures that today’s efforts will continue through the next generation.”
Leading the way in sustainable quarrying
Crown Farm Quarry has undergone a sustainability transformation through major infrastructure upgrades. The installation of a fully electric dredger has cut fuel consumption by 534 tonnes of CO₂ annually. Further electrification of the site, replacing diesel generators with electric systems, has reduced emissions by an additional 1,268 tonnes per year.
Automation has also played a key role. A new 42-metre radial Telestacker conveyor and remote-controlled wash plant now minimise heavy equipment usage and reduce site traffic, making the operation not only more efficient but more environmentally friendly.
“These upgrades demonstrate our commitment to cutting carbon while maintaining performance,” Jenny added. “We’re not just meeting sustainability targets; we’re setting new standards for the industry.”
A sustainable future
With planning permission granted through to 2042 and phased restoration already underway, Tarmac and Cheshire Wildlife Trust are committed to long-term environmental and social value. As part of this commitment, we are currently undertaking a three-year rolling programme to replace fencing across the site. This will facilitate grazing – an effective habitat management technique that reduces costs and further enhances biodiversity.
As the partnership continues, Crown Farm Quarry will remain a thriving hub for nature, education, and sustainable innovation, setting a precedent for responsible quarrying nationwide.
