FEATURE
Biodiversity day at Maltby, May 10
BUSINESS AND BIODIVERSITY 2
010 has been declared the International Year of Biodiversity by the United Nations, celebrating a greater understanding of the variety
and diversity of life on the planet. Businesses and organisations have joined the IYB to come together and share learnings on how to manage biodiversity in modern times.
Marshalls plc is one of those businesses. The UK’s leading hard landscaping transformation company has made a big impact in with its approach to sustainability. Having adopted a triple bottom line strategy means the company operates a successful and profitable business whilst minimising its impact on the environment, and looking after the people and communities it works with. As a manufacturer and supplier of natural stone and paving products, managing environmental impact and biodiversity in particular is key to the long term success of operations. In truly embracing biodiversity management, Marshalls has learned that an inclusive and focused approach works best when there are many diverse sites to work with. It is also imperative to work with partner organisations and involve both staff and the local community. Ian Manley is Marshalls’ Environmental Improvements Manager and he says: “I’ve
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been working on our biodiversity strategy for many years now and without the help of our employees and local communities, we just couldn’t have achieved as much as we have. Working with The Wildlife Trusts and local organisations has also encouraged us to seek external recognition for our work – we’re really proud to have two Wildlife Trusts Biodiversity Benchmarks at operating sites in Derbyshire and South Yorkshire.”
WORKING WITH PARTNERS In 2006, Marshalls started working on biodiversity plans at Stainton Quarry in Maltby, South Yorkshire. The site, which is still fully operational, presented a number of biodiversity issues including nesting for peregrine falcons and other wildlife based around a lake in the quarry. By liaising with local organisations and getting help from employees, Marshalls has been able to monitor wildlife numbers and put in place measures for their protection. Since obtaining the Wildlife Trusts Biodiversity Benchmark in 2007, the Maltby site has been featured several times on the BBC. Marshalls’ employees have also been active in promoting Maltby’s achievements by volunteering at the Autumn and BBC Springwatch events
held at Potteric Carr, Yorkshire’s largest nature reserve. Marshalls has also been invited to Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Councils’ Local Site Partnership meetings and is taking an active role in helping to protect and manage Sites of Scientific Interest for the future.
Speaking of Marshalls’ success at
Maltby, Brian Blessed, President of the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, said: “This is a fantastic achievement. I only hope other companies use Marshalls as an example to follow in improving their local wildlife for the future. We all need heroes like these.”
REPLICATE GREAT WORK After achieving the Biodiversity Benchmark in 2007, Marshalls went on to receive the National Gold Award at the International Green Apple Awards 2007 for Environmental Best Practice – the top prize for its continuing work in biodiversity and sustainability. At this point, work commenced on getting another site in Derbyshire accredited by the Wildlife Trusts – Marshalls’ Stancliffe Stone quarry at Stoke Hall. Two years later, Stoke Hall gained accreditation to the Wildlife Trusts
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