Minera Quarry Trust

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Project 6—Natural History

AIMS

 

1.  Conservation of established flora and fauna and enhancement of the biodiversity of the land.

2.  Development of ‘managed’ wilderness area with minimum access.

3. Creation of new habitats, where appropriate, to promote priority species.

4.  Education in the natural history and biodiversity associated with the natural development, industrial development and subsequent dereliction of the land.

 

BACKGROUND

 

Limestone areas are typically floristically rich, particularly where there is little grazing by livestock.  In addition, the transient nature and subsequent development of the vegetation on former industrial land often provides a unique habitat that can attract rare and uncommon plants and animals.  As a result, the Minera Quarry site supports a rich variety of wildflowers and habitat of both local and national importance.  The older parts of the quarry are included within the Ruabon, Llantysilio Mountains & Minera SSSI, which aims to protect the geological features and surface habitat in the area.   This quarry supports a number of Orchid species such as the fragrant orchid, Frog orchid, marsh orchid, common spotted along with other uncommon plants such as Autumn Gentian, long leaved hogweed, wintergreen flower and adder’s tongue fern.  As such, Minera Quarry has been identified by WCBC as a ‘high biodiversity value derelict land site’ in its Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP).  UK Priority Biodiversity species believed to be at Minera include the Prickly Sedge (reportedly the only site in Wales), Lesser Horseshoe Bats and Bullfinches.  Other locally important/endangered species present include kestrels and daubentons bats.  Indeed, the limekiln at Minera is one of the most important sites in the Wrexham area for a number of species of bats.

 

THEMES TO DEVELOP

 

1.  The natural ecological development of the limestone environment

2.  Impact of industrial development and mineral workings on the natural environment and processes of subsequent recolonisation

 

MEANS

 

1.  Undertake ecological surveys including invertebrates, mosses, lichens etc to identify the nationally and locally important species present.

2.  Create a ‘minimal access’ wilderness area by creation of walkways

3.  Establishment of creation of new habitats in recently abandoned parts of the quarry.

4.  Include natural history and biodiversity information within ‘geological’ and ‘limekiln’ trails information boards at points of interest, e.g. bats within the Hoffman Kiln

5.  Use as basis to develop displays within an interpretation centre.

 

MQT/PR6/Draft1/20.2.06

1.  Shallow wetland area in upper quarry

2.  Rich mix of assorted wildflowers in recently re-established area of workings

3.  Common purple orchids flourishing in upper quarry.

4.  Vegetation starting on bund created during recent landscaping.