Sibelco helps to bring heathland back to Brereton

November 2008

A project to restore swathes of heathland at Brereton Local Nature Reserve has taken a giant step forward thanks to assistance from Cheshire-based quarry company, Sibelco UK.

The company responded to a call for assistance with a project which is attempting to create up to eight acres of lowland heath at the Reserve in line with a national drive to protect and restore this special habitat. Sibelco has provided funding, heavy machinery, skilled labour and expertise to help Cheshire County Council’s Countryside Management Service and a team of volunteers remove vast areas of scrub and grass to make way for new heather seed.

Lowland heath, once a common sight in Cheshire, is now nationally rare. Up to 97 percent of lowland heath has been lost since the 1940’s. It is a delicate habitat, quickly destroyed if scrub and trees become established. In a few years time it is hoped that the heathland at Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve will be back to its former glory, proving an attraction for wildlife and visitors alike.

Several community groups have thrown their support behind the project including Congleton Conservation Volunteers, Crewe Conservation Volunteers, Middlewich Youth Club and the Greenleaves Day Centre in Sandbach. Now that the ground has been cleared and prepared, heather seed can be planted over the coming weeks, eventually transforming up to eight of the Reserve’s fifty acres into heathland.

The heather not only gives an attractive show of purple flowers during the summer, but also provides an important habitat for insects and other wildlife including bees, butterflies and even lizards.

“This is an important project for Brereton and for Cheshire and we are delighted to be involved,” said Rob Sproston from Sibelco UK. “Land restoration is an integral element of our business and we’ve been able to utilise our experience in heathland restoration from projects completed elsewhere in the UK. One of our former quarries in King’s Lynn is now contributing over 30% of Norfolk’s target for heathland outside the Brecklands.”

If you would like to become involved with the project, or would like further information, contact the countryside rangers on 01477 534115.