Abstract
Despite growing recognition that mineral sites restored for nature conservation can enhance local biodiversity, the wider societal benefits provided by this type of restoration relative to alternative options are not well understood. This study addresses this research gap by quantifying differences in ecosystem services provision under two common mineral site after-uses: nature conservation and agriculture. Using a combination of site-specific primary field data, benefits transfer and modelling, we show that for our sites restoration for nature conservation provides a more diverse array of ecosystem services than would be delivered under an agricultural restoration scenario. We also explore the effects of addressing different conservation targets, which we find alter the provision of ecosystem services on a service-specific basis. Highly species-focused intervention areas are associated with increased carbon storage and livestock grazing provision, whereas non-intervention areas are important for carbon sequestration, fishing, recreation and flood risk mitigation. The results of this study highlight the wider societal importance of restored mineral sites and may help conservation managers and planners to develop future restoration strategies that provide benefits for both biodiversity and human well-being.
Highlights
Mineral extraction is an important economic industry, with sand and gravel excavation in the UK alone valued at £665m a-1 [1]
The total C stock of Ouse Fen in its current nature conservation state is estimated at 16087 ± 14478 Mg C, of which more than half is stored in soil organic matter (SOM) [Table 2; Fig. 2A]
This study compared the capacity of two common mineral site after-uses—nature conservation and agriculture—to provide ecosystem services, and explored how the focus of conservation activities mediates the delivery of ecosystem services
Summary
Mineral extraction is an important economic industry, with sand and gravel excavation in the UK alone valued at £665m a-1 [1]. Extraction activities are transient, ranging from less than a year to several decades in duration, and once completed mineral companies are often required to implement a restoration management plan to transform sites to an appropriate after-use. Ecosystem Services from Mineral Sites Restored for Nature Conservation collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript
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