The Investigation

This investigation was instigated to establish the nature and extent of the trade in water-worn limestone in the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom. Limestone pavement habitats are exploited for their water-worn rockery stone. Key elements of the investigation included the collation of known information, intelligence gathering, postal and telephone surveys, site visits, covert investigations, analysis of results and visual documentation of the trade.

TRAFFIC International was commissioned to carry out this investigation because of its experience in investigating illegal trade issues and its reputation for giving sound, scientific advice.

A total of 262 extractors, traders, wholesalers and retailers were contacted during the investigation. Information was obtained from the internet, landscaping directories, trade journals and gardening magazines. The investigation aimed to identify those involved in the limestone pavement trade, the volume of extraction in the UK and the Republic of Ireland, the movement of extracted limestone, the levels of legal and illegal trade, existing trade routes, and price differentiation between the UK and the Republic of Ireland and between wholesale and retail trade.

A mass of confidential information was collected on the trade and those involved in it, and includes photographic documentation of the trade and video and recorded conversations with traders.