Brownfields
Brownfield sites, waste land, derelict land, post industrial, disused or brownfield land are terms given to describe sites that have, in the recent past, been used for some development purpose, but are now existing without any formal use. They include abandoned quarries, slag and spoil heaps, disused railways and landfill sites plus other land where industrial or commercial activities have taken place. A great range of physical and chemical characteristics can exist within a single site, and also between different sites in close proximity. Varying characteristics include soil pH, soil contaminants, topography, fertility, drainage, sunlight and shade. Cycles of disturbance and abandonment, artificial structures, uneven ground, wet and dry areas and poor soils often result in a mosaic of habitats that support high levels of biodiversity and are especially important for many invertebrate species, reptiles and amphibians.
The UK Biodiversity Action Plan now recognizes “open mosaic habitats on previously developed land” as a UK priority habitat.
The industrial history and current industrial activities of the Tees Valley provide a large number of sites that are rich in biodiversity. Of particular interest are the “slag grasslands” which were created by infilling with lime-based blast furnace waste. A specialised flora has developed on these low nutrient calcareous grasslands which is unique. The grayling and dingy skipper butterfly thrive on the network of brownfield sites around the Tees.
In the Tees Valley, the brownfields and industrial land plan covers a range of habitats found on disused land in the area as well as land within currently working industrial complexes. Some brownfield sites are now nature reserves, such as Maze Park and Gravel Hole, which are managed by the Tees Valley Wildlife Trust.
