With the implementation of new planning systems companies involved in mineral extraction must demonstrate that a site can be reclaimed to an acceptable standard after-use to achieve planning permission. Significant ecological impacts of the proposed scheme must also be identified, assessed and mitigated, often as an EIA.

Acting on your behalf Keystone Environmental will undertake strategic site surveys to identify constraints from the outset. Our comprehensive understanding of UK Minerals and Nature Conservation Planning Policy coupled with our practical ecological and engineering experience enables us to produce achievable working plans that satisfy the MPA, statutory consultees and other regulators/stakeholders.

Recognising that there are 1300 active sites across England alone, we embrace the potential for restoration projects to contribute to targets set out in the UK BAP and working in partnership with clients, stakeholders, the community and regulators can explore all possibilities each scheme has to offer for conservation gain.

What Keystone can do for the Mineral Extraction Industry...

• We undertake scoping studies and preliminary surveys to identify initial constraints and detailed surveys required

• We undertake generic or specific habitat and species surveys, including invasive plant surveys

• We utilise GIS and associated software packages for major biodiversity audits, protected species and habitat surveys

• In consultation with statutory organisations we undertake appropriate assessments

• We can produce the ecology chapter of an Environmental Statement in accordance with the current guidelines produced by the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM)

• We have an in-depth knowledge of current legislation and environmental policy

• We design practical, achievable Mitigation Schemes and Working Plans to ensure mineral extraction programmes run smoothly without delays

• We can apply for a wide range of licences on behalf of our clients e.g. DEFRA, EN, CCW

• Engaging our clients, stakeholders, the community, statutory consultees and other regulators, we develop innovative restoration schemes that contribute to UK BAP targets

• We produce Habitat Enhancement Programmes and Conservation Management Plans that identify opportunities to create, enhance and/or maintain the different habitats found on sites, including SSSI's and other designated sites in our clients ownership

• Where opportunities arise we develop Site Management Statements for sites not covered by Conservation Management Plans

• Our in-house contracting department can supply site staff for the supervision of ecological works and site briefings and at the other end of the scale can install exclusion fencing and capture devices, create and restore habitats, build otter holts, rafts for nesting birds and hides etc., and implement habitat management techniques for conservation gain

• We carry out monitoring programmes to provide feedback on mitigation schemes