Tudor Griffiths is proud of its restoration record at Wood Lane. It has been involved in a variety of restoration schemes ranging from agricultural restoration of high grade grazing ground through to nature conservation. The Company is a Corporate Member of the Shropshire Wildlife Trust. Wood Lane is near to designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest (eg Whitemere) and proposed RAMSAR sites. The worked-out parts of the quarry site provide a perfect opportunity to enhance the whole area in terms of nature conservation and provision of various habitats for a wide range of wildlife.

There are many expanses of water in the locality but they are not generally suitable for numbers of wading birds. To compensate for this the wetlands created at Wood Lane over the past few years have been specifically designed to attract migrating and breeding waders. Many of these now drop in to refuel on their Spring migrations north to their breeding grounds in northern Europe and in the Autumn on their way south to wintering areas as far as Africa. Greenshanks, Redshanks Whimbrels, Dunlins, Green Sandpipers and Little Stints are regular seasonal visitors here.

It has also become a favourite place for breeding Lapwings, Little Ringed Plover and a large colony of Sand Martins. Lapwings have suffered a massive 73% decline in Shropshire during the last 11 years, so their continued presence at Wood Lane is particularly encouraging.

In a relatively short space of time many rare and endangered species have been attracted to the Wood Lane site. Aquatic and waterside plants have been introduced and as the site is relatively new there is a unique opportunity to study the invading flora and fauna. Species recently identified include varieties of Orchids, notably the Bee Orchid (Ophrys apifera) and Pyramid Orchid.

Wood Lane Nature Reserve

To further develop nature conservation work Tudor Griffiths has earmarked a restored area of the quarry as a Nature Reserve. This has been established jointly with the Shropshire Wildlife Trust as part of the nation-wide network of Wildlife Trust nature reserves. The Nature Reserve not only includes the shallow lagoons and other water features that make up the wetland areas, but also an expanse of restored grassland that is being actively managed to encourage the establishment of haymeadow species. Two classroom-sized bird hides have been installed at key vantage points around the wetlands which visiting groups, particularly school parties, will be able to use as an observation facility. Access to the bird hides is also available to accredited individuals and organizations.

Apply to John Hawkins, The Square, Ellesmere, tel. 01691 622392

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