A HUGE industrial quarry isn't most people's idea of a nature reserve - especially one belonging to controversial Castle Cement.

But the company's Lanehead Quarry site, in Clitheroe, is haven for wildlife, including a pair of peregrine falcons, badgers, foxes, hares and a host of bird species.

The company has been planting native trees and shrubs around the perimeter of the quarry and on the high rock faces of the disused section of the quarry for the last six years.

And workers have gone one step further by creating a pond and wildlife area on land between the quarry and the nearby River Ribble. The project, which has been entered into the Grimewatch competition, is living proof that wildlife and heavy industry can exist together side by side.

Quarry manager Keith Hall says that, contrary to what many people believe, the quarry is buzzing with life. "People just think of it as a hole in the ground, but there is so much living in and around it, it is incredible.

"We haven't had to do anything to encourage the wildlife in the quarry itself, it has developed its own living environment. The workers often report seeing foxes, hares and birds like oyster catchers.

"We are making a big effort to plant more trees and plants around the edges of the quarry. "Nature restores itself in the areas where we are no longer working, but we are giving it a helping hand."

As well as landscaping various areas around the Lanehead site, Castle Cement have planted 7,000 trees during the last six years.

And the high rock faces make ideal nesting sites for scores of birds, including a pair of breeding peregrine falcons.

Workers have recorded no fewer than 50 species of birds, 20 different animals and over 30 types of wild flowers.

The company has also reclaimed several tips around the site and planted grass and trees.

Keith added: "We do need tip sites, but when we have finished with an area we do landscape it so we are not leaving an untidy legacy behind us."

The company found a novel way of recycling their water, creating a wildlife pond.

Keith explained: "Before we made the lake the water just used to come from our site, go through a filtration process and out into the river.

"Now it feeds the small lake before it runs into the river.

"The water must be clean because we have already got plenty of ducks living on the lake and that has helped attract other birds.

"Not only has it improved the site, but it has also given our workers a pleasant place to enjoy."

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