Disused Wrexham Quarry Set to Become ‘Spectacular’ Nature Reserve

A disused quarry in Wrexham is set to be transformed into a ‘spectacular’ and unique nature reserve.

Tarmac and North Wales Wildlife Trust have started discussions on the future of Minera Quarry, which has not been used since active operations ended in 1994.

Minera Quarry is a disused and restored limestone quarry of about 40ha, 7km from Wrexham. It is a site of varied wildlife habitats, including wildflower-rich grassland and developing woodland and much of it has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Now the quarry is set to be transferred to The Wildlife Trust to create a spectacular nature reserve and community wildlife asset.

Over the last six years, The Wildlife Trust and Tarmac have worked with the local Minera Quarry Trust (MQT) to try and ensure that access to the old quarry can be developed into an important community facility.

Simon Mills, Trustee, North Wales Wildlife Trust said: “This is fantastic for both North Wales Wildlife Trust and the North East Wales community. Minera Quarry is a unique site with many diverse habitats which has the potential to become an outstanding community and wildlife resource.

“We (along with support from Minera Quarry Trust) have been in discussions with Tarmac for many years on the possible transfer of the quarry to the Trust and we hope this will soon happen”

Lloyd McInally, Property Estates Manager at Tarmac added: “We are delighted to be working with North Wales Wildlife Trust to plan the future of Minera Quarry to leave a legacy for the local community there. We have worked with Wildlife Trusts across the UK and feel they are the right group to build on the work we’ve already done at the site, and further enhance it for future generations. We look forward to working with them over the coming months”.

Tarmac and The Wildlife Trust will work together to develop the detail of the transfer of the site such that Tarmac can take the proposal to its Board by the end of 2016.