Minerals
Sand and gravel, deposited by retreating glaciers at the end of the last ice age, occur within parts of the London and Hampshire basin areas. Significant reserves of the Bramshill Plateau Gravels are present within Elvetham. Since the 1980s these reserves have been extracted from two active quarries, leased since 2000 by two of the largest mineral operators – Lafarge and CEMEX .
The extracted deposits are ideal for making concrete and as aggregates for a range of local construction projects. Our deposits have made a significant contribution to the South East construction sector and economy; approximately 200,000t of Hampshire's annual output of circa 1.5 million tonne.
A strong relationship between Elvetham and its mineral operators, managed by SLR Consulting, has ensured a ‘partnership’ approach to extraction and restoration within one of the most sensitive habitats in the UK and Europe – the Thames Basin Heaths SPA. It has ensured long term agreements for the restoration of both quarries to a high standard of heathland and forestry, achieved through active liaison with key stakeholders such as the Forestry Commission and Natural England.
Our Bramshill Forest has been adopted by the Forestry Commission as an example of high quality restoration of sand and gravel workings.
Elvetham prides itself on its ability to proactively manage such sensitive operations through the mineral extraction lifecycle, whilst ensuring that a legacy of high quality habitats is created to support the protected flora and fauna of Hampshire.
Enough to build 100km of motorway or contribute to the construction of over 33,000 new homes.
These habitats support the internationally important bird species of Dartford Warbler, Woodlark and Nightjar. The heathland area supports an outstanding dragon fly assemblage and rich invertebrate fauna.
Restoration management includes habitat creation. This is no ordinary pile of ground waste but a deliberately built Hibernaculum prepared for reptiles.