This analysis describes the characteristics and scale of the minerals and aggregates sector and its impacts on the delivery of nature conservation objectives in England. It gives English Nature's objectives for the sector and sets out our three priority actions for 2004 - 2005. We also identify the key organisations and actions needed to influence policy and its delivery.

We outline the roles of the key players and shapers within the sector. The dominant influences in this sector are government, the minerals industry, mineral planning authorities, local authorities and specialist interest groups.

We examine the key socio-economic and political factors that shape the sector. We look at the economic impacts of the sector and the way in which extraction activity is distributed and managed nationally, regionally and locally.

We analyse the positive and negative impacts of the sector on nature conservation. Whilst the analysis identifies the range of impacts on geodiversity and biodiversity, such as the loss, degradation and fragmentation of habitats and natural features, it also recognises that there can be environmental gains through sensitive planning, operating, restoration and aftercare of minerals sites.