Ardeer Sands and Gravels

West Garnock

The West Garnock site has been used for sand extraction for decades, mainly in obtaining material to use in blast walls and for bunding areas to protect from a potential blast from the former explosives works bunkers. The materials won in this area today range from fine wind blown sands at the top of the reserve to coarser sands suitable for applications such as mortar and asphalt production deeper in the reserve. Currently this operation is carried out by local firm Hugh King & Sons extracting some 60,000T per annum. Estimated workable reserve in excess of 3,000,000T.

East Garnock

One of the oldest locations for mineral extraction within the land holding the East Garnock reserve is present due to the river and where it ran many years ago before being diverted to its current position in the 1900s to facilitate the extraction of coal. This deposit is a mix of coarse sands and river gravels both of which have application in the ready-mix concrete industry. A planning application to win materials on this site was lodged on 31st March 2008. The Non-Technical Summary is available in the Downloads section below. Estimated workable reserve 7,000,000T.

Newhill

It may have been a new hill one day but again this area has been used for extraction for years. It produces fine quality wind blown sand. This sand is not easy to replicate and is therefore sought after by riding centres, golf courses and football pitches. The site is worked by NPL on a client specific basis and negotiations are underway for supply of material to two new golf courses in Scotland. Estimated workable reserve 500,000T.