The King’s Dyke nature reserve at Whittlesey near Peterborough took top honours in the biodiversity category at the 2012 sustain’ magazine awards. The former clay quarry adjacent to the Hanson brick works has been developed into a community nature reserve over the last 17 years. More than 140 species of birds have been recorded on the site, including the marsh harrier and bittern, along with butterflies, dragonflies and various mammals, including water voles and otters.

Kings Dyke is particularly important for its invertebrates, with over 2,500 species recorded, one of which is thought to be new to the UK. The large numbers of ponds support more than 5,000 great crested newts, while common lizards, grass snakes and slow worms are also found in good numbers.

The award was collected by the firm's heads of sustainability and environment Martin Crow and Philip Parker, who manage the site on behalf of the company.

“We are delighted that King’s Dyke has been recognised,” said Crow. “It is a haven for wildlife and an important educational and recreational facility. Its success demonstrates the significant role the quarrying industry can play in re-shaping the landscape to enhance biological diversity both during and after mineral extraction.”

Steve Oxley, editor of sustain’ magazine, said: “Year on year we have seen the quality of entries to the awards increase. I would like to congratulate Hanson on its success.”