About Sand and Gravel

Sand and gravel quarries can only be located where these minerals naturally occur. The quarry itself is where these essential materials are safely extracted from the ground and subject to screening and processing. Sand and gravel are the core components of many construction materials and used in a wide range of products and applications, such as ready mixed concrete, tarmac (asphalt) and mortar. Once the minerals are removed, the land is restored to create habitats, farmland or areas for recreation and conservation.

Whisby Quarry is worked in phases using conventional dry extraction techniques. Sand and gravel is removed using excavators and transferred by conveyor to an on-site processing plant.

This involves:

• Water Management: The management of water before extraction begins. Groundwater levels are managed to allow the material to be dug out drier - which is safer and more efficient.
• Digging and transporting: Excavators dig the sand and gravel, which is then moved using dump trucks and a conveyor system that carries it to the on-site processing plant.
• Sorting and cleaning: Once at the processing plant, materials are screened to remove large debris, washed to clear away clay and silt, and sorted into different sizes for use in construction.
• Loading of Trucks: Trucks are loaded with the sold materials and leave site to be delivered to where they’re needed.

All of this happens within a carefully managed plan that restores the land as each phase is completed – turning extracted areas into lakes and grasslands whilst delivering community benefits like new footpaths and nature parks.