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.

In 2019, NCC and other circular economy operators built a Pollinator Bar and meadow at Ekomo’s Waste Recycling Area in Espoo. The site includes meadow flowers, nesting materials, and test zones with stone ash applied at varying depths (10–30 cm) to suppress invasive species and support flower growth. The area features both dry and moist sections, with a variety of colorful flowers planted and nesting structures added for pollinators.

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.