Sand and gravel extraction started at Willington Quarry in 1983. Since then the quarry has been producing about 300,000 tonnes of mineral each year to help meet the annual demand of about 1.2 million tonnes for concreting aggregate in Bedfordshire.
The physical characteristics of the sand and gravel at Willington make it suitable for structural as well as pre-cast concrete products. Willington Quarry is one of only a few sites in the county capable of producing this type of mineral. Materials are also used in “bagged” form for delivery to DIY stores, general drainage applications, mortars and screeds.
The land restoration schemes at Willington have been a successful part of the planning and development process. Large areas have been restored to high quality agricultural land and there have been opportunities to create new wetland areas that increase the diversity of wildlife habitats and the landscape.
The quarry site within the Grange Estate is well known locally for attracting a wide variety of bird species to the working and restored area.