Shetland Amenity Trust received a grant from the Aggregates Levy funding of the Community Environmental Renewal Scheme in order to close and landscape three illegal dumps on the Shetland Isles. The former quarries at Yell, Bressay and Whalsay had significant amounts of dumped agricultural machinery, vehicles, soils and rubble within them, and all are in particularly scenic areas.
Aywick Quarry, East Yell, Shetland
The largest of the three sites, the fly-tipping site in a disused quarry at Aywick was successfully closed, cleared and landscaped. The abandoned quarry was reinstated for recreational purposes, as well as returning the area to common grazing status. As well as making the site safer for children and animals, the quarry is situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty and its redevelopment will have a positive effect on tourists visiting the east side of Yell.
Bressay Stone Quarry, Bressay, Shetland
The aim here was to close and clear this illegal fly-tipping site within a disused quarry at Bressay. The site is both an area of common grazing, and one of outstanding natural beauty, situated on the tourist trail for visitors to the Isle of Noss.
The clearance and closure of this dump has had a positive impact upon the surrounding area. The site is within an active Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) scheme and this work has now restored the area's compliance with the scheme.
The site was not landscaped at the request of the Grazing Committee and the Shetland Bird Club as it is used by breeding frogs and birds.
Skaw Quarry, Whalsay, Shetland
The aim here was to close and clear this illegal fly-tipping site within a disused quarry at Skaw, Whalsay. Given that the site of the quarry is common grazing, it posed a risk to children and animal stock. Following the clearance, it was agreed in principle to erect a short fence and gate to prevent further fly-tipping. The decision was deferred pending the return of the Chair of the Grazing Committee.
The work has led to improvements in the visual amenity, the removal of risk from the fly-tipping site and had a positive effect on the local community.
Although not formally consulted, the 69 local residents of the area strongly supported the projects not least because the proposals would reinstate an abandoned quarry, close an illegal dump and remove a potentially dangerous playground for children (whilst complementing an existing formal playpark adjacent to the quarry). As an additional benefit, a small parking area was also created for use by those visiting the nearby playpark.
Contact
Shetland Amenity Trust
Garthspool
Lerwick
Shetland
ZE1 0NY
Telephone: 01595 694688
Email: shetamenity.trust@zetnet.co.uk
www.shetland-heritage.co.uk/amenitytrust