A SITE at Greatham, near Hartlepool, is the first Huntsman Tioxide plant in the world to use information from the survey to draw up a biodiversity action plan.
Greatham is important because it has a number of migratory birds as well as saline ponds, one of the rarest habitats on earth and vital for invertebrates that support the food chain.
The research, by George Best, Ken Smith and Tony Marron, who works at the Greatham site, meant there was already plenty of data to incorporate into the action plan.
The plan, produced by Jonathan Gibson, of the Industry and Nature Conservation Association (Inca), based at Billingham, sets out which wildlife species and habitats are present and what can be done to enhance existing habitats and create new ones to improve biodiversity.
At the site, there are 153 species of bird, water voles and roe deer, plus abundant flora.
Mr Smith said: "The moment you leave the Greatham site, you are on an internationally-protected habitat.
"What Jonathan Gibson's report does is to present detailed, cost-effective guidelines to assist the work's management in protecting this valuable wildlife resource.
"The plan is an excellent example of co-operation between a major company and nature conservation interests."
Published: ??/??/2004
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article