Biodiversity @ ICL Boulby
At ICL Boulby (formerly Cleveland Potash), the primary functions of the site are the mining operations. The infrastructures associated with these operations are a visible part of the local landscape. However, adjacent to the mining facilities and within ICL’s operational area, are non-developed turfs where important habitats and species flourish.
Most notable are the woodlands at Mines Wood and Ridge Lane Wood, near Dalehouse. These are some of the most wildlife-rich woodlands in the North-east England / Yorkshire areas. The woodlands are home to invertebrates, birds and mammals. \
In the past 12 years or so, ICL Boulby has worked with the Industry Nature Conservation Association (INCA) in monitoring and managing the wildlife which lives in close proximity to the mine. Key to this process is the Site Biodiversity Action Plan (Site BAP) operated by ICL Boulby within our operational area. The site BAP is designed to conserve the key habitats and species which live at the site, and is assisted by INCA annually. In particular, there are a number of invertebrate species residing at the site, including butterflies and moths, which have been of significant focus. These species serve as important environmental indicators, since they are highly sensitive to changes in their habitats and therefore indicate the ecological quality of a site.
There are more than 200 moth species, as well as 20 species of butterflies, at ICL Boulby.
The invertebrate diversity within the woods has been well-studied by INCA, in particular, the butterflies and moths, and there are more than 200 moth species recorded as well as 20 species of butterflies.
At least 40 species of birds have been recorded in the woodlands. The mammals of the woodlands are shy, but there is evidence of otters presence. The expansion of the Otter population in the UK is one of the nation’s great conservation stories, largely due to cleaner watercourses resulting in greater prey availability. Flying mammals are also a key feature of the woods, with at least five bat species found. ICL Boulby has even provided artificial homes for bats in this tunnel in order to enhance the range of possible roosting options for the species living there. Reptiles and Amphibians are also part of the fauna of the site. To date, only the Slow-worm has been found to be residing in the woods, but the species’ population size is impressive, with 19 individuals found during a single survey day in 2017. With respect to the amphibia in the woodlands, Common Toad has been found in the woods and has been helped by habitat creation which took place in Mines Wood in 2015. For more information about our activities and specific species found in the area click here.
