Environment Minister Sammy Wilson has had a first hand view of what a Co Antrim quarrying firm is doing to promote biodiversity.

The Minister joined pupils from Broughshane Primary School on a fact finding visit during European Minerals Day to Craig's Quarry in Ballymena, where Robinson Quarry Masters has invested in a number of measures to encourage biodiversity on the site including the planting of native trees.

Mr Wilson said: "I am pleased to support Northern Ireland's mineral industry and commend the industry for its efforts to reduce its environmental impact and promote biodiversity.

"The industry and its trade association, the Quarry Products Association have worked hard to reduce the environmental impact associated with quarrying. It is leading the way in employing sustainable practices and promoting biodiversity," he said.

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"Robinson Quarry Masters is one such example of sustainability in practice through their efforts to encourage biodiversity on-site and ongoing engagement with local schools to instil an appreciation of our local environment."

During the open day at Craig's Quarry, the pupils learnt about quarrying processes and the wealth of biodiversity that flourishes in quarries including breeding peregrines, breeding moorhens and an array of wild flowers.

Quarry Manager Stephen Robinson explained to the children and the Minister how he manages his everyday operations. This includes enhancing local biodiversity through a native tree planting project with the Northern Ireland Conservation Volunteers.

Quarry Products Association Northern Ireland (QPANI) Biodiversity Officer, Laverne Bell welcomed the opportunity under European Minerals Day to showcase the work going on in the industry to promote biodiversity.

She said: "The quarrying industry makes a great contribution to the quality of our lives through the materials it produces. European Minerals Day is an excellent occasion to showcase the industry in Northern Ireland.

"This year the EU has given special attention to biodiversity, as quarries and pits are important for a wide variety of wildlife during their working life and after they are restored.

"Our industry is well aware of this and of its responsibility to support biodiversity and is actively working towards its conservation and enhancement."

(PR/JM)