Tarmac Alrewas refers to a sand and gravel quarry near the village of Alrewas in Staffordshire, operated by the building materials company Tarmac. It is a working industrial site, not a visitor attraction, so this guide explains what such a quarry does, where Alrewas is, how to get reliable information about the site, and what is worth seeing nearby. We do not quote any operational details that could change, so always confirm specifics with the company.
Key takeaways
- Tarmac Alrewas is an aggregates site, producing sand and gravel for construction.
- Quarries are working sites and are not open to casual visitors; use the company’s official channels for any enquiry.
- Alrewas is a Staffordshire village near Lichfield, the Trent and Mersey Canal and the National Memorial Arboretum.
- Planning, restoration and environmental details are public through the local council.
What is Tarmac Alrewas?
Tarmac is one of the best-known construction materials businesses in the UK, supplying aggregates, asphalt, cement and ready-mixed concrete. Its sand and gravel quarries extract material from the ground, process it and send it out to building and civil engineering projects. The Alrewas site is one of these working operations in the Trent valley of Staffordshire.
The official Tarmac website is the best place to start for company information, product ranges and contact details. We have not listed addresses, phone numbers, opening times or vehicle arrangements here, because those details are controlled by the company and can change.
What does a sand and gravel quarry actually do?
Sand and gravel deposits were laid down by rivers and ice-age meltwater, which is why many sites are found in river valleys. The typical process is:
- Site preparation: topsoil and subsoil are stripped and stored for later restoration.
- Extraction: sand and gravel are dug, sometimes from below the water table.
- Processing: material is washed, screened and sorted into different sizes.
- Stockpiling and dispatch: products are loaded onto lorries for customers.
- Restoration: worked-out areas are reshaped into lakes, wetland, nature reserves or farmland.
Many people are surprised by how important these materials are. Concrete, mortar, drainage layers, road foundations, paths and patios all rely on sand and aggregates.
Products you typically get from aggregates sites
| Product type | Typical uses |
|---|---|
| Sharp or building sand | Mortar, screeds, rendering |
| Concreting sand and gravel | Concrete mixes for foundations and floors |
| Washed gravel | Drainage, driveways, decorative surfaces |
| Sub-base material | Foundations beneath roads, slabs and paving |
This table describes general product categories only; the range at any given site varies. Ask Tarmac or your local builders’ merchant about what is available and in what quantities.
Where is Alrewas and how do you get there?
Alrewas is a village in Staffordshire, a short distance from Lichfield and close to the River Trent and the Trent and Mersey Canal. It is known for its canal setting, its timbered buildings and for being near the National Memorial Arboretum. You can read the general background in the Alrewas article on Wikipedia.
By road
The area is well connected to the A38 and A513 corridors, but use a live map or satnav for current routes. Quarry traffic means HGVs use some local roads, so drive carefully, especially in the early morning and at weekday peaks.
By public transport
Alrewas has historically had a railway station on the line between Birmingham and Derby, and local bus services connect to Lichfield and nearby towns. Timetables change, so check a journey planner before travelling.
On foot or by bike
The canal towpath and local footpaths are popular for walks. Keep to public rights of way and never enter quarry areas, which are private and hazardous because of machinery, deep water and unstable edges.
How to get information or make an enquiry
- Tarmac website: use the contact page for orders, deliveries, jobs and general questions.
- Local council: Staffordshire County Council and the district council hold planning documents, including permissions, conditions and restoration plans.
- Environment Agency: for environmental permits and water issues.
- Parish council: for local concerns such as traffic, noise or community liaison.
If you are applying for work, look for current vacancies on the company’s careers page rather than turning up at a site.
Quarries and the local environment
Aggregates extraction is regulated. Operators generally need planning permission and must follow conditions on dust, noise, working hours, water management and restoration. Worked-out gravel pits in river valleys often become valuable habitats, with reedbeds, open water and grassland that attract birds. If you are interested in the long-term plans for any specific site, planning documents are public and searchable on the council website.
Safety around quarries
- Do not enter operational or disused quarries; flooded pits can be very cold and deep.
- Watch for HGVs on nearby roads and give them space.
- Keep children and dogs away from fences, ponds and edges.
- Report concerns to the operator or the local council.
What to see and do nearby
If you are visiting the area, Alrewas itself has canal walks and village pubs, and Lichfield has its famous cathedral and a lively city centre. The National Memorial Arboretum is a major site of remembrance and is a short drive away. For a food-guide example from another part of the UK, see our article on where to eat in Ross-on-Wye. Always check current opening times and booking requirements for attractions on their own websites.
Frequently asked questions
Can the public visit Tarmac Alrewas?
No. It is an operational quarry and not set up for public visits. Contact the company if you have a business or community enquiry.
What does Tarmac Alrewas produce?
Sand and gravel aggregates used in construction. For specific products and availability, contact Tarmac directly.
Where is Alrewas?
It is a village in Staffordshire, near Lichfield and the National Memorial Arboretum, in the Trent valley.
How can I find planning information about the quarry?
Search the Staffordshire County Council planning pages, which hold applications, conditions and restoration proposals for mineral sites.
Will the quarry be restored after working?
Restoration is normally a condition of planning permission, and sites in river valleys are often turned into lakes, wetland or nature reserves. The exact plan for any site is set in its planning documents.
Conclusion
Tarmac Alrewas is a working sand and gravel site that supplies construction materials, and the best way to learn about it is through Tarmac and the local council rather than by visiting. Alrewas itself is a pleasant Staffordshire village with canal walks and easy access to Lichfield and the National Memorial Arboretum. Check official sources for any practical details and stay well clear of working or disused pits.
Key takeaways about tarmac alrewas
Here is a short summary of tarmac alrewas so you can find the main points quickly.
- Tarmac Alrewas refers to a sand and gravel quarry near the village of Alrewas in Staffordshire, operated by the building materials company Tarmac.
- Tarmac is one of the best-known construction materials businesses in the UK, supplying aggregates, asphalt, cement and ready-mixed concrete.
- The official Tarmac website is the best place to start for company information, product ranges and contact details.
- Sand and gravel deposits were laid down by rivers and ice-age meltwater, which is why many sites are found in river valleys.
Use this page as a starting point for tarmac alrewas and come back to it when your situation changes.
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For general background, you can look up tarmac alrewas on Wikipedia.
