A national resource providing essential materials
Mountsorrel Quarry, in north Leicestershire, is one of the largest quarries in Europe. Opened in 1854, the site currently produces approximately five million tonnes of granite per year.
Over half of this material leaves the site by rail reducing the need for thousands of lorry movements each year.
The rock we extract at Mountsorrel is used across the UK in the production of concrete, asphalt and for large infrastructure projects including roads and railways. It has quite literally helped to build the world around us.
The 450 acre site has been an active and important part of the local community since it opened over 150 years ago and now employs approximately 100 staff directly providing a substantial contribution to the local economy.
Restoring the land for the future |
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At Mountsorrel Quarry we are absolutely committed to the environment for now and for the future. As quarrying work progresses, we actively restore the upper rock faces by planting native tree seedlings collected from nearby Buddon Wood. These include sessile oak, small-leafed lime, silver birch, aspen, hawthorn and rowan. We also work hard to screen our site to minimise any visual impact we have on our neighbours. In addition we are committed to finding ways of improving the local environment immediately adjacent to the quarry.
The quarry is surrounded on three sides by woodland, areas of which are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The woods have been closely researched and monitored and we are now managing a scheme to ensure they develop with the richest ecological and conservation value. Already we have had great success in increasing the diversity of wildlife in the area, including a wide range of butterflies, moths and birds.
We are also encouraging the spread of reptiles and other animals by creating areas with wetlands and large rocks.
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Mountsorrel Quarry won an Environmental Gold Award What is Mountsorrel Granite used for?Did you know Mountsorrel's famous pink granite has been used to construct:
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Last update on 15/11/2011
