Sibelco UK

Objective

Extensive restoration works before donating the land.

Context

The site now home to Astbury Mere Country Park on the outskirts of Congleton was formerly one of the UK’s most important silica sand quarries. The project was completed and it is no longer owned by Sibelco.

Solution

After extraction ceased, Sibelco UK completed extensive restoration works before donating the land to Astbury Mere Trust in 1988. Since then we have retained an active relationship and continue to support the Park on a number of levels.

Result

Astbury Mere Country Park today welcomes over 100,000 visitors annually and was recently awarded the prestigious Green Flag Award for the fourth consecutive year. Spanning an area of 10 hectares, the Park provides panoramic views over Astbury Mere and the surrounding countryside.

Habitats include mixed woodland, a pond and extensive wildflower meadows, whilst its grasslands are acknowledged as being amongst the most biologically diverse in the locality.