FEATURE
Biodiversity Benchmark – the first business in Derbyshire and the first dimensional natural stone business in the UK to achieve and implement this system into its existing integrated management system. Stoke Hall took two years to get accreditation, which shows a real commitment to wildlife and biodiversity and hard work and dedication to turn a biodiversity plan into an accredited site. Peter Dorans, Biodiversity Benchmark Manager at The Wildlife Trusts said: “We’re delighted that Marshalls has achieved the Biodiversity Benchmark for this site. Extensive and notable work has been carried out to ensure the site thrives as a haven for wildlife. To have achieved the Biodiversity Benchmark shows a genuine commitment by Marshalls for the long-term protection and enhancement of biodiversity on their sites.”
Marshalls is committed to biodiversity at a local level and puts in place measures and action plans that are right for the sites being accredited. At Stoke
invertebrates (butterflies and dragonflies), and woodland. Monthly and yearly reviews are in place and new plans are produced so that Marshalls can continually improve performance.
WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP In producing biodiversity action plans for Stoke Hall, Marshalls enlisted the help of employees, the neighbouring land owner, Peak Park advisers and local wildlife specialists.
As part of the biodiversity action plan, Marshalls has formed partnerships with neighbours, national and local NGOs and Peak Park to help understand the local wildlife. All the surveys have been shared with partners who themselves report the findings to local record centres. In sharing this information, Marshalls is ensuring that the work helps better understand species distribution and numbers. Between 2008 and 2009, surveys revealed an increase in the number of bats found using the saw building and a reduction in the number of
THE BIODIVERSITY CHECKLIST: • Work with partner organisations • Get accreditation from reputable third party
• Involve employees and the local community
• Make a commitment to biodiversity throughout the organisation
• Be flexible with your plans – every site is different
of two Biodiversity Open Days at Stainton quarry and Maltby works to celebrate the United Nation’s International Year of Biodiversity. At Maltby’s open day, a total of 50 people attended from Marshalls, Doncaster Naturalists Society, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and members of the local community.
The pond dipping proved to be a popular event with over 30 micro organisms being identified from the
Y – HOW TO MAKE IT WORK
Hall, the project was very different to working at Maltby – different species, different working patterns and a different site.
GETTING TO KNOW THE SITE The first task was to carry out a series of surveys on wildlife. Bats, a European protected species, were found to be using two of the saw buildings for maternity roosts which had implications for building maintenance. As a result, boxes were erected around the site as an alternative roost. An old cast iron water tank that used to feed the saws was found to be full of water and leaves, and containing a large number of frog and toad tadpoles and other insect life. Toads are now a UK biodiversity action plan species as they are in decline. To improve the potential of the tadpole reaching maturity, the majority of leaf litter was removed which improved their access in and out of the tank. Bird boxes have been erected in positions that enable them to be monitored by employees. Reptile and amphibian tiles, which have been positioned around the site boundary and the works, are checked on a monthly basis.
The survey work fed into
comprehensive biodiversity action plans for species of flora and fauna found to have the highest significance – bats, birds, heath cudweed, amphibians and reptiles,
different nesting bird species recorded. Whilst it is too early to draw any major comparisons at present, this information will become invaluable in years to come for any potential restoration work. Employees have also been key to this process. They have received biodiversity information and training to help them recognise problems, encourage them to report sightings, assist in monitoring bird boxes erected close to their work stations, and generally improve their understanding of the wildlife around them. Later this year, Stoke Hall will be holding a bat survey evening when local enthusiasts and members of the local community will come together to help with counting different species of bats. Ian Manley says: “The support of the employees on site has been fantastic. They have been involved in erecting bird and bat boxes and they are now monitoring wildlife on site on a regular basis, which has been invaluable in helping to produce the action plans for future improvements.”
THE FUTURE FOR BIODIVERSITY AT MARSHALLS Following on from success at Maltby and Stoke Hall, Marshalls has now made a commitment to put in place biodiversity action plans for all appropriate sites by 2012.
More recently, Marshalls held the first
samples collected. Local ornithologists and the RSPB helped with the supply of spotting scopes and the identification of birds as well as establishing that the site’s resident peregrine falcons’ nest contained three chicks.
Flora identification and a water vole search was led by members of Doncaster Naturalists Society. Our own Marshalls people’s children helped with building a bug hotel and sowing wild flower seeds! An observation area has now been created with a viewing platform and seating for future events and visits. Ian Manley said: “This was our first biodiversity open day and I’m really pleased with the results. The data we’ve collected will help Maltby to better understand the diversity of the wildlife in the area and help us manage the land.” Over 100 species of flora and fauna were identified.
Christine Morris, Group Environmental Adviser for Marshalls, said: “Our biodiversity projects form part of our commitment to being a sustainable business and are a natural progression from the work we have already undertaken on management systems for environment, health and safety, and quality.” For more information on Marshalls and its approach to biodiversity, visit
www.marshalls.co.uk/sustainability
SUSTAINABLE FM | AUGUST 2010 |39
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