Associated Companies
Borough Green Sand Pits has a number of associated companies:
Borough Green Sand Pits operate the BGSP quarry producing sands and accepting inert landfill. Products include; building sand and silica sand.
Lime Logistics, a licensed waste carrier logistics company specialising in bulk haulage of aggregates and waste material. Operating a fleet in excess of 40 company-owned rigid (8-wheeler) and articulated tippers. Main work comprises carrying aggregates, fill materials and waste to and from construction sites.
Sheerness Recycling, a recycling company specialising in inert waste & concrete recycling with locations in Ashford, Bexley (Bexley Recycling), Sittingbourne and Swanscombe.All sites are fully licensed to accept; concrete, asphalt, soils and mixed construction and demolition waste. The company produces & supplies a wide range of primary & recycled aggregates at all locations. Operating C&D waste washplants in Sittingbourne and Bexley.
Sheerness Recycling Hythe. A landfill project in West Hythe. Accepting inert landfill materials.
TD-Express, utilising a fleet of 6 and 8 wheeled grab vehicles offering aggregate deliveries and muck-away services.
RKB Leisure, offering outdoor leisure facility / grounds management and maintenance and is also involved in the promotion and of leisure activities in Kent & Sussex.
Santander Salt, a franchised importer of white marine de-icing salt into the UK at Ellesmere Port, London Thamesport and Boston. The salt is supplied in a range of forms; bulk loose salt, bulk bags and 10kg/25kg bags.
Medway Aggregates, operating out of London Thamesport, processing bulk selfdischarging or conventional ships by means of an onshore crane. The site operates 24/7, contains 5 acres of aggregate bay storage and the facilities to load out products via weighbridge. Products handled include hardstone aggregate, sand and gravel, decorative aggregate, salt and PFA, rock armour and more.
Invicta Commercials, operating a transport and mobile plant workshop located in Sittingbourne. Specialising in maintenance and repairs of all commercial road vehicles and mobile plant with mobile engineers available for road side repairs. Available for internal and external business.
Invicta Planning undertake planning for the connected companies and also external projects.
A Brief History of Sand Quarries in Borough Green, Kent
Borough Green, a village located in the heart of Kent, England, has a rich history intertwined with the sand quarrying industry. The area’s geological composition, with extensive deposits of high-quality silica sand, has made it a prominent site for quarrying activities since the 19th century.
Early Beginnings
Industrial Revolution spurred a surge in demand for sand, particularly for glassmaking and construction. Quarries in Borough Green have a history dating back to the early 19th century. The area is known for its geological resources, particularly for sand and ragstone. The quarrying activities likely began in the early 1800s, with operations expanding significantly throughout the 19th and 20th centuries as demand for building materials increased. Specific records of individual quarry openings may vary, but the general timeline and mapping indicates the early 19th century as the starting point for quarrying in Borough Green.
Growth and Development
By the early 20th century, sand quarrying had expanded significantly. The introduction of steam-powered machinery in the 1910s allowed for more efficient extraction, with production rates increasing to over 500 tons per week. The quarries supplied sand for major construction projects, including the London Underground and local roadworks, highlighting their regional importance.
Post-War Expansion
Following World War II, Borough Green’s quarries saw substantial growth. In the 1950s, advancements in excavation technology and the post-war construction boom drove production to new heights, with some quarries producing up to 1,000 tons daily. This period saw the peak of employment, with over 200 workers involved in various stages of the quarrying process.
Environmental and Economic Impact
The expansion brought economic benefits and environmental challenges. By the 1960s, the impact on local landscapes became evident, prompting the introduction of the Mines and Quarries Act 1954, which mandated rehabilitation plans for worked-out areas. Despite these challenges, the industry contributed significantly to the local economy, generating millions of pounds annually.
Contemporary Era
In recent decades, the focus on sustainability has reshaped the industry. Modern quarries, such as the extensive operations at Nepicar Sand Quarry, ‘Long Pond’ Quarry and Borough Green Sand Pits, are subject to rigorous environmental regulations. Innovations in technology have reduced the environmental footprint, with current production levels ensuring a balance between economic viability and ecological responsibility.
Today
Today, sand quarrying remains an integral part of Borough Green’s industrial landscape, contributing to the local economy while adhering to contemporary environmental standards. The legacy of the sand quarries is evident in the transformed landscapes and the continued importance of this industry to the community.
Borough Green’s sand quarries, with their deep historical roots, continue to be a testament to the region’s industrial heritage.