The Hills Quarry Products site north of Swindon, which inspired the BBC1 documentary ‘Attenborough and the Mammoth Graveyard’ is once again yielding palaeontological wonders.

The dig led by passionate amateur palaeontologists, Sally and Dr Neville Hollingworth,began on Monday the 15th of July and the list of amazing discoveries over the first few days has included: a Neanderthal Hand Axe, Mammoth Tooth, Rib, Pelvic bone and Skull fragments – plus a Nautilus and even a Shark tooth. Over 100 student volunteers from 18 Universities and experts from the wider Palaeontological world will be assisting with the dig until it closes on August the 5th.

Project lead Sally Hollingworth commented: “We are so excited to be back on the site which has previously yielded remains of at least five Ice Age Mammoths and a number of stone tools made by Neanderthals. From day one of this dig we’ve already made some amazing discoveries. Who knows what we might find for the rest of the dig!”

“We’ve been overwhelmed with the enthusiasm and hard work the small army of unpaid volunteers has shown, plus the exceptional support from Hills Quarry Products, who have facilitated and supported this and the two previous digs. The site is not open to members of the public – but look out for updates on the dig via social media using our hashtag
#TuskForce.”

The artefacts and mammoth remains found at the Hills Quarry Products’ quarry date to around 210,000 – 220,000 years ago, towards the end of a warmer interglacial period when Britain was still occupied by Neanderthals. Towards the end of this period, early humans abandoned Britain as temperatures plummeted and the landmass was plunged back under ice.

It’s not yet clear whether the mammoths were killed by Neanderthals, or why so many were found in one place, but archaeological sites from this period are incredibly rare, as is evidence of how Neanderthals interacted with mammoths, making this discovery one that has enormous value for understanding Neanderthal behaviour, not just in Britain but across Europe.

Hills Waste Solutions is continuing its support for community projects in Westbury as sponsors of the Westbury Youth Football Club tournament, which takes place from Friday 21 June to Sunday 23 June. Hills is providing skips and bins for recycling and waste management, to ensure that the three-day event is as sustainable and green as the grass the young footballers will be playing on.

Neil Pollard, Divisional Director at Hills Waste Solutions said: “We are looking forward to supporting the Westbury Youth FC tournament. It will be a busy weekend for the club with 1300 young footballers expected to attend – so we hope to alleviate some of the stress involved in managing event waste and recycling, allowing club officials, volunteers, coaches, supporters and players to all focus on and enjoy the games.”

Hills is further supporting sustainability in football through its partnership with the Wiltshire Football Association and their Good Game initiative. Good Game seeks to raise awareness about how the football community can help address climate change, whilst signposting clubs and their stakeholders to ideas they can adopt to be greener and more sustainable.

Hills Waste Solutions is going the extra mile for a sustainable future, as its Bristol fleet of HGVs has changed fuel from diesel to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) – a move which will reduce fuel-related Carbon (CO2) emissions by up to 90%.

Nathan Carr, Hills Waste Solutions’ Divisional Fleet Manager commented:

“All Hills’ frontline HGVs operating out of the Bristol Depot are already ULEZ compliant, as they meet the latest Euro 6
regulations for emissions. We are committed to not only managing waste sustainably but also powering our operations in a more environmentally friendly way. That’s why we have chosen to go the extra mile and fuel our fleet with HVO, as it can reduce
CO2 emissions by up to 90%.”

“Changing to HVO is another example of our commitment to operating sustainably, which already includes route planning to minimise mileage and driver training to ensure that vehicles are driven in a careful manner to help optimise fuel efficiency.”

Neil Luce, Operations Manager at Hills Waste Solutions added:

“This move isn’t just about Hills Waste Solutions; it’s about supporting businesses serviced by our Bristol depot that share our commitment to sustainability. By utilising Certas Energy HVO-powered waste collection vehicles, we’re enabling businesses to reduce their end-to-end environmental impact, not just within their own operations but as part of their sustainability commitments applied to their supply chain.”

The HVO is supplied by Certas Energy, the largest distributors of fuel and lubricants in the UK, who are members of the Renewable Fuels Assurance Scheme (RFAS). Membership of RFAS means that Certas Energy undergo continuous compliance monitoring, including an annual audit which ensures that HVO is derived from 100% renewable raw materials and sustainable waste, and that GHG emissions intensity claims are verified accordingly.

Craig Dando, Senior Business Development Manager at Certas Energy adds:

“We are thrilled to be supplying our premium HVO fuel to Hills Waste Solutions. This project is a great example of our shared vision for a sustainable future and together, we are proud to be making strides towards a responsible energy mix.”

Hills Waste Solutions, a major employer in Calne, is sponsoring the town’s inaugural Pride event which takes place on Saturday the 1st of June.

Hills is also supplying waste management for the event, which will include a parade through the town, followed by an eclectic mix of entertainment at the Calne Recreation Ground until 9pm.

Ed Dodd, Deputy Chief Executive at The Hills Group commented: “We are delighted to be sponsoring Calne Pride not only as a number of our employees live in the town – but as a business we are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in all our operations. We hope that everyone taking part in the first Calne Pride has a wonderful time.”

The pivotal role The Hills Group has played supporting the conservation and protection of wildlife in the Cotswold Water Park has been further strengthened by becoming a Cotswold Lakes Trust – Premium Habitat Hero.

Peter Andrew, Group Director – Quarry Products, said: “The Hills Group has been operating in the Cotswold Water Park for more than 100 years and has created many of the lakes and wonderful habitats you see today. We are delighted to join the Premium Habitat Heroes scheme as it recognises our ongoing partnership with the Trust and our commitment to the wildlife and ecosystems in the Water Park.”

Ben Welbourn, Conservation and Estates Director – CLT commented: “For more than 25 years, The Hills Group has consistently demonstrated significant support for the wildlife and people of the Cotswold Water Park through high quality quarry restoration. With their continued support of the Cotswold Lakes Trust’s biodiversity, education, access projects and now their addition to our new Habitat Heroes scheme, Hills continues to cement its commitment to creating a lasting local legacy.”

The Hills Group has worked in collaboration with the Cotswold Lakes Trust since 1997, providing over £1.3 million to the charity through the Landfill Communities Fund. This partnership has led to the creation and preservation of one of the most stunning and biodiverse wetland landscapes in the UK, which is home to an amazing variety of wildlife, as well as an array of exceptional leisure amenities.

Ed Dodd, Group Director – Waste and Resource Management at Swindon based Hills Group has been appointed as Deputy Chief Executive of The Hills Group.

Ed Dodd, Group Director – Waste and Resource Management at Swindon based Hills Group has been appointed as Deputy Chief Executive of The Hills Group. Ed will in the interim continue to oversee waste activities for the business and will report to The Hills Group Chief Executive, Mike Hill.

Ed joined Hills Waste Solutions as Waste Facilities Manager in 2006, becoming a Divisional Director in 2012 and Group Director in 2019. Amongst his achievements, Ed was responsible for delivering the construction and commissioning of the Northacre Resource Recovery Centre in Westbury, Wiltshire.

Commenting on the appointment Ed said: “I’m absolutely delighted to take on the role as Deputy Chief Executive of The Hills Group at an exciting time for the business. 2025 will see our 125th anniversary, so to be entrusted to help drive the group of businesses forward is an honour and a privilege.

“I will continue to work with the dedicated and talented teams within Hills Waste Solutions and Hills Municipal Collections to oversee our waste management and treatment activities – so from the customers’ perspective it’s very much business as usual.”

Congratulating Ed on his appointment, Mike Hill, Chief Executive of The Hills Group said: “Ed has played a key role in Hills Waste Solutions and has been pivotal in developing the business. His appointment as Deputy Chief Executive is just reward for his contribution and I look forward to working with him in the next stage of his career.”

After 25 years of valuable service to the Hills Group of Companies, Pete Andrew has decided to step down from his role as Group Director – Quarry Products at the end of 2024. Pete will remain engaged with the business after his retirement in an advisory capacity through 2025.

In the meantime, Hills Quarry Products will be actively recruiting a replacement for Pete and aim to ensure a suitable handover to his replacement and existing colleagues over the next eight months.

Mike Hill, Chief Executive of The Hills Group commented: “This is a significant move for both Pete and The Hills Group. The shareholders, board and employees at Hills wish Pete a well-deserved retirement spending time with family and managing his farm in Wiltshire.

“Pete has been a key figure within the business and the quarrying sector for many years and will be missed by colleagues, customers, and the supply chain alike.”

Reflecting on his announcement, Pete Andrew said:
“It has been an honour and a privilege working with such a talented and dedicated team within Hills Quarry Products. With the business in a healthy position and the team as strong as it has ever been, now feels like the right time to step aside. I would like to extend my thanks for all the warm wishes I’ve received from colleagues and friends in the industry.”