Stonebroom Surface Mine

In 2000 Banks received planning permission for coal extraction on this site, which is located near Tibshelf, Derbyshire.

A 14 month coaling period saw the extraction of approximately 300,000 tonnes of coal taking advantage of rail loading facilities which were established as part of the neighbouring Doe Hill scheme.

Soil replacement was completed in September 2002 and the land is now finishing its five year aftercare period. All major works have now been completed and all that remains is general maintenance and sensitive management.

The site has been restored into three main land types:

The agricultural area covers some 30.5ha and has had an extensive under drainage scheme installed and has been restored to permanent pasture.

The woodland areas totals 5.5ha comprising of native broadleave species such as Oak, Ash, Birch and has been designed to create a woodland corridor effect across the site linking existing semi mature woodlands with newly planted areas as well as newly created wetland habitats.

The third land type is the re creation of a Willow and Alder carr. Morton Brook runs through the centre of the site. The land previously adjacent to Morton Brook was agricultural land and has been excavated to reate a series of eight on line ponds. Open areas have been left around the pond margins with Willow and Alder planting established around the boundaries and filling in gaps between the existing naturally occurring Willow and Alder.