On March 18, 2025, the MPA Quarries & Nature Restoration and Biodiversity Awards took place at The Royal Society in London. This event showcases and celebrates the commitment and ambition of the mineral product sector in planning and delivering a diverse range of exceptional biodiversity and restoration projects across the UK.

Competing with the world’s best

Bickhams Quarry at St Bees Head was the only dimensional block stone quarry to feature in the entire event. It was nominated in the most prestigious category, pitting Marshalls up against blue-chip multi-nationals in the minerals extractives sector. While we didn’t win, we’re very proud that our unique restoration activities received a special commendation.

Dave Smith, Marshalls Operations, recognised the efforts of the local team, saying, “Thanks must go to Lee Weatherall, Steve Boam, and Danial Bagnall for promoting the most photogenic dimensional block stone quarry in our portfolio.”

A unique opportunity

The quarry is set within an Area of Special Scientific Interest and is designated as a Local Geological Site, as well as part of a Heritage Coast. It is also adjacent to the renowned Wainwright’s Coast to Coast Walk and bordered by two residential properties. Significant efforts have been made to balance the commercial imperatives of an active quarry with the environmental, scientific, and social benefits of such a historic site.

A collaborative approach

We have worked closely with multiple stakeholders, including Cumbria GeoConservation, Cumberland County Council, The National Trust, Stephenson Halliday, and local residents to achieve a range of positive outcomes:

• Continued commercial quarrying of a sought-after material
• The conservation of nature
• The fostering of a cultural landscape of national significance
• Improving public understanding of the geology, natural and industrial history of the site
• Enhanced public access

Commercial, environmental, and social benefits

Birkhams Quarry is now worked on a phased campaign basis, where stone is extracted during a 4-6 week period between February and March, while also avoiding the local bird breeding season.

New areas of coastal heath and herb-rich neutral grassland are being established, and several of the sandstone cliff faces are being allowed to re-naturalise with vegetation and bird nesting opportunities. Other quarry faces, including some historic working areas, will be maintained to ensure that geological cross-sections through the Triassic fluvial sandstones remain visible for future generations.

A new geological trail has been established, providing safe access to former working faces on a prearranged basis, allowing geologists to study the site up close. The coastal footpath around the perimeter is being maintained, and interpretation boards have been installed on geological rock samples along the public right-of-way, offering visitors information about the quarry's history and geology. Once commercial quarrying ceases, plans are in place to further enhance public access within the site.

A final word of thanks

Lee Weatherall, Group Minerals Estate and Planning Manager, said: “It was fantastic for St Bees Quarry to be recognised at the recent MPA Restoration awards. For Marshalls to be represented together with the best of the rest of the UK Minerals Industry was, of course, very satisfying. We want to thank all the third-party stakeholders who have engaged with Marshalls over recent years to help make St Bees Quarry the success that it is.”