Schaeffer Kalk

Objective

The restoration and formation of biotopes for endangered species along the quarry area.

Context

The existing restoration concept for an old overburden pile was completely revised in 2000. Planting, sowing and reforestation were discontinued up in favour of slow-growing open locations in dry areas and water bodies. This helped form biotopes for endangered species strictly protected by the habitats and birds directives.

Actions

The restoration of an open cave system.

To save the habitats of many endangered valuable fauna and flora species in open-land communities. Some of the species are the common pipistrelle, a small bat, in RhinelandPalatinate and the eagle owls.

To monitor the impact of the sheep and grey German heath on the quarry area after the restoration.

Result

The quarry area has become the grazing ground of sheep and goats.

It is now open to visitors seeking recreation and awareness-raising in an atmosphere of tranquility.

Contribution to climate protection (by excluding long transportation routes, cutting energy consumption and preventing burdening the atmosphere with pollutants) and, at the same time, protecting local jobs and promoting local products.