LPA: West Lancashire District
NCAs: Lancashire Coal Measures and Lancashire & Amounderness Plain
Habitat Units
125.58 HU, Lowland meadows, Very High
23.55 HU, Floodplain wetland mosaic and CFGM, High
51.38 HU, Open Mosaic Habitat, High
12.87 HU, Lowland mixed deciduous woodland, High
18.89 HU, Heathland and shrub, Medium
3.18 HU, Ponds, Medium
0.86 HU, Individual trees, Medium
5.00 HU, Broadleaved Woodland, Medium
0.18 HU, Tall Forbs, Low
Hedgerow Units
8.61 HedgeU, Species rich native hedgerow with trees, High
6.42 HedgeU, Species rich native hedgerow, Medium
0.85 HedgeU, Line of trees, Low
Watercourse Units
2.35 WU, Other rivers & stream, High
0.60 WU, Ditches, Medium
Local Context
Dalton Quarry Habitat Bank, in the West Lancashire District, is another exciting nature project for GEDG and a clear demonstration of their commitment to regenerative land use.
Previously a shale quarry that dates back to the 1940s, this 29.5 hectare site is excavated into a north facing hillside. Surroundings comprise agricultural fields, woodland, and Rams Wood Close Biological Heritage Site to the west.
Habitat
The Dalton Quarry Restoration Project is creating a connected, biodiverse landscape. We are enhancing existing woodlands and tree lines, transforming neutral grassland into species-rich hay meadows, and upgrading marshy areas into floodplain grazing marsh.
Aquatic habitats, including ponds, ditches, and streams. are being revitalised to support diverse wildlife, while scrub and hedgerows are strengthened to provide shelter and food sources. In addition, open mosaic habitats on previously developed land are being restored and expanded, offering unique niches for rare species.
Together, these improvements deliver a resilient, nature-rich environment that supports long-term sustainability.
Social Value
As with all our Habitat Banks, GEDG intends to create strong links with local schools and local interest groups who can visit the site on an organised basis and play a key role in the conservation activities.
GEDG’s approach to this site will provide buyers of units with additionality in terms of endangered and wider species monitoring, health and education opportunities. GEDG are retaining Middlemarch Environmental, owned by Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, to monitor the habitat bank over the 30-year management period.
