A FORMER clay pit overlooking Poole Harbour is set to be transformed into an oasis for Dorset wildlife, a mining chief has revealed.

The open cast ball clay mine on the Arne peninsula, will be replanted to create a nature reserve boasting a lagoon habitat with salt marshes, grassland, heath and oak woodland.

It is hoped the area, close to the RSPB Arne reserve, will be transformed by next spring, in what is the only project of its kind being currently undertaken in the country.

Imerys Ball Clays general manager Chris Cleaves said: “Imerys takes very seriously its responsibility to restore its former clay pits and Arne ball clay works provides a wonderful opportunity to transform this former industrial facility into a truly special wildlife site.”

Around 160,000 tonnes of onsite material will be moved, creating a small island and maximising an area of shallow water.

Wildlife experts hope by giving the land back to nature, new breeding bird species – such as spoonbills and avocets – may establish themselves on the new reserve.

Arne RSPB visitor manager Mark Singleton said: “We are so excited about this restoration project.

“The possibility of new breeding species on the reserve is one we relish.

“The extra feeding and roosting ground this project will provide in the winter is very important, with areas of exposed mud becoming gradually less due to sea level rise.

“These new areas are critical for the internationally important members of wildfowl and waders that visit Poole Harbour.”

Imerys is working closely with Dorset County Council, Natural England, the RSPB and Poole Harbour Commissioners.

Dorset’s nature after minerals restoration advisor Liz Harris said: “This is a fantastic example of the contribution that the minerals industry is making to habitat creation and is the only restoration of its kind currently being undertaken in England.”