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Back to nature for former tyre quarry
A FORMER quarry which became a dumping ground for millions of tyres is receiving help to return to nature.
The disused quarry at Hampole just off the AlM north-west of Doncaster has undergone a 1.8m make-over.
For years the eyesore tyre dump posed a huge fire risk which would have discharged toxic smoke and pollutants which could have contaminated air and water.
Initially tyres were removed for recycling but as work progressed it became clear there were far than expected.
It was decided to level the remaining tyres and create a rare native limestone grassland habitat to enable local plants to re-establish themselves on the site.
In the final stage of the project Environment Agency staff will spread hay and seed collected at nearby Sprotbrough Flash nature reserve at the quarry to help establish wildflowers including orchids and unusual species such as fairy flax, yellow wort and black horehound They will also record wildflower species while they are on site.
Improving biodiversity at the quarry should help to encourage butterflies and other insects, and even reptiles such as snakes and lizards.
Doncaster Council is working closely with the Environment Agency and the current owners, Crown Estates, to look at the long-term management of the site.
There is no public access to Hampole at present.
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Weather for Doncaster
Friday 25 May 2012
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Temperature: 10 C to 23 C
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