How we protect biodiversity at our gravel pits and quarries

The red-listed sand martin is a migratory bird that flies south in the autumn and returns to the Nordics in late spring. In our quarries in Rydbo and Löt, sand martins have made it a habit to build nests in some of the company’s stockpiles of rock flower. While waiting for the birds to return for the season, we create the best possible conditions for them to live there.

At Pornainen quarry, NCC focuses on conserving the protected Scarce Fritillary, a protected species in Finland and rare across the EU. The focus is on enhancing the butterfly’s habitat and promoting its host plant, Melampyrum pratense. Efforts include mapping colonies, transplanting host plant soil in 2021, and ongoing biodiversity monitoring. Despite natural fluctuations, a viable, reproducing population was confirmed in 2024.

The species of the Lake May fly (Ephemera vulgata) is very rare in Zealand, but was found in one of the lakes in Løng gravel pit at a stone material day. The participants in the nature walk became aware of the fact that there was something very special as they experienced the biologist's surprise and joy in finding the species here.

NCC has provided gravel to create new salmon spawning areas in Espedalselva in the south-west of Norway. The project was so effective that it has now resulted in a written handbook.