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The former Denge quarry site and its listening devices, which are located next to the existing RSPB Dungeness nature reserve near Lydd, have for many years been an iconic feature on the Kent coast and will now be one of nature’s homes in the region. Lade Pits is a restored sand and gravel site covering 70 hectares and was quarried from the early 60’s. Work began on restoring the site into a home for nature during the lifetime of the quarry. Approximately four million tonnes of sand and gravel for local construction projects were extracted from the quarry.
In the 1930’s – between the two world wars - the MOD developed an aircraft early warning system consisting of huge concrete structures designed to pick-up and amplify sound coming from miles away. This warning system came to be known as Listening Devices or Sound Mirrors and once built they could pick up the distant engine roar of enemy aircraft coming in off the sea.
However, due to the speed of technical invention which was at the time already significant, the system was never fully operational and was made obsolete by modern methods of detection (radar) which were first introduced in the late 1930s.
Fast forward many years and now Lade Pits look set to become a 70hectare home for nature after CEMEX UK has generously handed over the site to the RSPB as part of an ongoing and very successful relationship between the two organisations.
RSPB South East Regional Director Chris Corrigan said: “I am absolutely delighted that Lade Pits is now part of nature’s home in the South East and I am grateful to CEMEX UK for their generosity and unwavering commitment to help the RSPB save nature. Where the mighty Sound Mirrors were once used to listen out for man-made noise, they will now symbolise just how important it is to listen – and look - out for nature. The site will prove invaluable for what the RSPB is trying to achieve in the South East and we are very much looking forward to taking Lade Pits forward together with the local community.”
“We are delighted to hand over Lade Pits to the RSPB, for the next stage in the site’s life cycle. It has provided valuable sand and gravel for local construction projects, such as roads, homes and schools and now, after restoration, it becomes a home for nature and a local asset for the community,” comments Andrew Scott, Estates Manager, Southern region.
CEMEX UK is working to ensure their sand and gravel operations create wider benefits for both the environment and local communities, and the RSPB is working with industry to help them achieve their environmental aims, so very much a mutually beneficial relationship where nature comes out the winner.
The Lade Pits Sound Mirrors, to which there is no public access, are not only famous in terms of their historical significance, but also because they have appeared in numerous music videos and fashion shoots etc. The structures are listed as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
