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NCC Kielo - Our method to enhance biodiversity

It’s not just us who appreciate our gravel pits and quarries throughout the Nordics—many other species of animals and plants do as well. That’s why we work methodically to promote biodiversity over time at several of our gravel pits and quarries. We call this NCC Kielo.

The unique climate of our quarries

A gravel pit or quarry creates unique climates and microenvironments that benefit species thriving in open areas without dense vegetation. This can include peregrine falcons and eagle owls, various insect species, amphibians, and plants that require poor soil and plenty of sunlight. The ever-changing environment that a gravel pit or quarry offers can therefore contribute to biodiversity in a very special way, even during operation. From this insight, the idea of NCC Kielo was born a structured biodiversity initiative over time where we focus on mapping, goals, actions and follow-up.

NCC Kielo was first launched in Finland and has since been further developed into a Nordic concept within NCC. Kielo means lily of the valley in Finnish and is Finland’s national flower. Kielo is also an acronym formed from "Klviaineksen Elävä LuOnto," which means "living nature of stone."

Our NCC Kielo sites in the Nordics

NCC - Kielo in Denmark

The red-listed dormouse in Sellebjerg

When we discovered that the rare dormouse was present in the area around the Sellebjerg gravel pit, we began working to create the best possible environment for the species. The dormouse is one of Denmark’s most endangered mammals and today is found in only a few places in the country. In collaboration with Hvidkilde Estate, we spent two years optimizing the forest areas around the quarry before raw material extraction could begin in 2009. For example, 250 nests specially designed for the dormouse have been installed, and we have ensured that honeysuckle, larch, hazel, blackberry, and rosehip are present in the area.

Would you like to know more about our work with biodiversity in Sellebjerg? Don’t hesitate to contact us.

Christian Hans Abildtrup

Chief Geologist, Denmark, NCC Industry

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Aquatic plants, toads, and birds in Pederseje

In 2003, NCC and Guldborgsund Municipality began working purposefully to increase biodiversity in a new area of the Pederseje gravel pit. The new area mainly consisted of cultivated land, and NCC had observed various species of flora and fauna from the excavated areas in the existing pit. Today, the area consists of diverse nature and serves as an oasis for many endangered animals and plants. The lakes contain many interesting aquatic plants and toads, and the pit has become home to several interesting bird species.

Would you like to know more about our work with biodiversity in Pederseje? Don’t hesitate to contact us.

Nanna Swane Lund

Chief Geologist, Denmark, NCC Industry

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Deciduous trees, wetlands, and ponds in Siem

Since the Siem gravel pit was a monoculture of planted spruce, there was a lack of biodiversity when it opened in 2006. The goal was therefore to increase diversity by planting deciduous trees such as larch, pine, and oak, and by creating several small wetlands, ponds, and open areas with grassland. When the results were followed up in 2017, fifteen hectares had been rehabilitated and biodiversity had increased while production was ongoing.

Would you like to know more about our work with biodiversity in Siem? Don’t hesitate to contact us.

Christian Hans Abildtrup

Chief Geologist, Denmark, NCC Industry

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Amphibians, eagle owls, and bats in St. Endelt

In St. Endelt, we focus on creating a good environment for amphibians and trying to encourage eagle owls to nest in the area. An environmental impact assessment has shown that a number of bats are present there, and in the coming years, time and resources will be devoted to ensuring that they remain and thrive at the site.

Would you like to know more about our environmental work in St. Endelt? Don’t hesitate to contact us.

Christian Hans Abildtrup

Chief Geologist, Denmark, NCC Industry

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NCC Kielo in Finland

Butterflies, birds, and honey production in Ohkola

The Ohkola quarry began its Kielo journey in 2012 when the rocky area was partially filled with uncontaminated soil. After seed mixtures were planted in the soil, a good seed bank is now in place. The many different flowers growing in Ohkola benefit butterflies and bees in the area. There are also plenty of birds and other animals. Both honey production and birdwatching take place in the area, and biodiversity continues to increase..

Scarce fritillary and melampyrum pratense in Pornainen

In Pornainen, the Kielo initiative is focused on improving living conditions for a butterfly species called the Scarce fritillary. Such butterfly larvae have been found in the quarry area. The Scarce fritillary is covered by an EU protection program and has disappeared from many places in Europe where it used to be found. The butterfly larvae thrive on the edges of the quarry, in the sunny border between open and vegetated areas. Its main food source is Melampyrum pratense (an annual herb), which also thrives at the site.

Would you like to know more about our work with biodiversity in Finland? Don’t hesitate to contact us.

Taina Piiroinen

Raw Material Manager, Finland, NCC Industry

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NCC Kielo in Norway

Wetlands and trees in Hedrum

The Hedrum quarry is located in Larvik and is known for its special light grey/bluish stone, larvikite. The area was early on recognized as a place with great biological diversity, where environmental efforts are focused on preserving the site’s wetlands and trees.

Sand martins, forest, and flower-rich sandy habitats in Skien

When it was discovered that sand martins were thriving at the Skien quarry, a decision was made to monitor and protect their nesting sites. An artificial nesting shelf for species such as eagle owl, peregrine falcon, or raven has also been installed. By sowing seed mixtures in added sand masses, the aim is to promote sand-dwelling insects. The establishment of valuable forest, such as noble broadleaf woodland, and the preservation of a solitary hollow oak are other initiatives.

Moss, tits, woodpeckers, and swans in Helle

Although Helle largely consists of sand and gravel, the 2020 survey revealed good findings of moss, trees, tits, woodpeckers, and mute swans. Efforts to preserve and support the establishment of biodiversity at the site have continued ever since. Operations have also been adapted to avoid disturbing the nesting of house martins at Helle in the spring.

Birds, insects, and newts at Grenland

To promote the nesting of Eurasian curlews, special protection has been implemented from April to September. Here, we also allow areas with flower meadows to develop, which benefits insects such as solitary bees and beetles. The construction of artificial nests for barn swallows and starlings is being planned, as well as the establishment of nesting sites for various wading birds. At Grenland’s sedimentation ponds, we also aim to create small islands for ducks, as well as areas with shallow water and deeper sections for newts.

Would you like to know more about our work with biodiversity in Norway? Don’t hesitate to contact us.

Bård Skisaker

HSEQ Coordinator, Norway, NCC Industry

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NCC - Kielo in Sweden

Bees, bumblebees, ants, and small birds in Sofiedal

The Sofiedal quarry is located 15 km from Karlstad. Here, we work to create a habitat where various hymenopterans such as bees, bumblebees, wasps, and ants can thrive. By placing birdhouses in the area and creating an artificial lake, we also hope to support the local bird population at the quarry.

Would you like to know more about our work with biodiversity in Sofiedal? Don’t hesitate to contact us.

Carin Calvert

Raw Material Supply Coordinator, Department Middle, Sweden, NCC Industry

+46 76 521 58 32 Send email

Blue butterfly, sand martin, common sandpiper, and crown vetch in Gökhem

Gökhem is a quarry located west of Falköping and provides a perfect environment for the red-listed blue butterfly. This species thrives on thinly soiled rock with limited shrub growth. In addition to the blue butterfly, both the sand martin and the common sandpiper have made themselves at home in the quarry. The small plant crown vetch has also been found to thrive here.

Would you like to know more about our work with biodiversity in Gökhem? Don’t hesitate to contact us.

Anna Schultz

Raw Material Supply Coordinator, Department Middle, Sweden, NCC Industry

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The following activities are required for NCC Kielo

For us to approve a gravel pit or quarry as NCC Kielo, the biodiversity work must be described and regularly monitored in order to continuously develop the efforts.

Step 1 – Map and describe actions

Conduct a survey of habitat types and characteristic species in the area.
Describe the overall goals for the gravel pit or quarry.
Describe the actions that should be taken in the area to create improved conditions for biodiversity, such as a more varied composition of habitats and structures in the area.

Step 2 – Implement, manage, follow up

Implement the action plan.
Follow up on the results at least every three years in a gravel pit and every five years in a quarry.
Revise the plan as needed.
Manage invasive species present in the gravel pit or quarry in order to eradicate or reduce their spread.

Do you have questions about NCC Kielo? Don’t hesitate to contact us.

Katarina van Berlekom

Raw Material Supply Coordinator, Sweden, NCC Industry

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Christian Hans Abildtrup

Chief Geologist, Denmark, NCC Industry

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Bård Skisaker

HSEQ Coordinator, Norway, NCC Industry

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Taina Piiroinen

Raw Material Manager, Finland, NCC Industry

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