Tarmac appointed lead partner of UK National Parks’ biennial conference
Stuart Wykes, director of Land and Natural resources
This year, Tarmac supported the UK National Parks Conference, hosted by the Yorkshire Dales National Park authority, as their lead partner. The biennial three day event brings together the key decision-makers from across the UK’s 15 National Parks.
As this was the 70th anniversary year of the 1949 National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act, the conference celebrated the history of National Parks across the UK. It will also look to the future through the theme of ‘new horizons.’
David Butterworth, CEO of the Yorkshire Dales National Parks, added: “We are delighted with Tarmac’s key support of this year’s bi-annual conference, which will see delegates from across the UK debate, plan and share best practice for the future of the National Parks.”
We also supported the ‘National Parks Big Picnic’, a special celebration marking the anniversary which saw more than 500 people gather to enjoy a picnic and a cream tea in the beautiful surroundings of Simonsbath’s riverside meadows at the heart of Exmoor’s former Royal Forest.
The celebrations were attended by The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, who were greeted by leaders from across the UK National Park family. Stuart Wykes, director of Land and Natural Resources at Tarmac said: "Tarmac is proud to have been able to sponsor this event in celebration of the National Parks 70th anniversary. We have a long history working within the national parks so it's great to be involved in such a special event."
Swinden Quarry visit
More than dozen delegates from the UK’s National Parks also visited our Swinden Quarry in North Yorkshire so they could learn more about the importance of quarrying in the Yorkshire Dales. The delegates were given an introduction to Tarmac and the history of the site, then they were kitted out in protective clothing before being driven down into the quarry to see the process first-hand.
Delegates then had the opportunity to speak to explosive experts about how they mitigate the impact of the explosions, before being taken to view the sites railhead and restoration areas.
Emma Chaplow, Swinden’s quarry manager, said: “It was great to be able to host the delegates here and to show them around the site.
“We are very proud to be part of the National Park here in Yorkshire – and to have sponsored this year’s National Parks conference. The conference and the visit were a great opportunity to showcase what we do, as well as to learn more about the challenges faced by the National Parks around the country.”
Mineral extraction is essential to the UK’s infrastructure pipeline, and we are committed to careful planning both before and after quarrying operations to ensure sites are managed responsibly and sustainably to conserve and enhance natural habitats, wildlife and cultural heritage.
The National Parks refer to the Peak District, the Lake District, Snowdonia, Dartmoor, Pembrokeshire Coast, North York Moors, Yorkshire Dales, Exmoor, Northumberland, the Brecon Beacons, The Broads, Cairngorms, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, New Forest and South Downs.