Aarekies

Objective

Identification, documentation and promotion of biodiversity in the Däniken/Dulliken gravel extraction site.

Context

The gravel extraction site in Däniken/Dulliken, operated by Aarekies Aarau–Olten AG, which belongs to Jura Holding AG, a subsidiary of the CRH Group has, been supervised by a naturalist for 25 years. Through the years, the employees, together with the naturalist, have put in place countless measures to promote nature. This has involved creating a comprehensive list of species which demonstrates clearly that these initiatives implemented over the years are leading to a very high level of biodiversity in the gravel extraction site.

Actions

The establishment of dry habitats for numerous insects and arachnids or the creation of bodies of water for rare amphibians such as yellow-bellied and natterjack toads.

To make pockets of sand accessible to sand martins each year.

Mapping the animals and plants at this excavation site.

Result

The creation of a document with over 1,500 species around the gravel extraction site. The list of species is a valuable document which is helping the new team to do its job.

Conservation of the different rare species that dwell the gravel extraction area.

Partners

The former naturalist, Bruno Erb, and the current manager, Roland Baenziger.