Bersier SA

Objective

To promote the image of the sand and gravel extraction industry towards the population.

Context

The sand and gravel extraction site is characterized by areas of recent and spreading vegetation with some unusual plant varieties such as the rosemary-leaved epilobium and the German tamarisk.

But much of the population tends to see gravel extraction sites as a blot on the landscape and a source of noise, in short a cause of damage to the natural environment. Public access to gravel extraction sites is also barred.

Solution

Extraction has been under way for more than 60 days in the area of the present gravel extraction site. To mark the 60th anniversary, Bersier SA set up a gravel extraction site learning center for schools, with many small but valuable biotopes.

This learning center was planned and put in place with the FSKB (Swiss Gravel Industry Federation) and representatives of the cantonal services.

Many species typical of gravel extraction sites are found here. A number of target species live both in the extraction area and in the learning center: they include the yellow-bellied toad, the red-bellied toad and the rosemary-leaved epilobium.

Result

The Ménières gravel extraction site learning center, the first of its kind in French-speaking Switzerland, helps to counteract the prejudice through education and experience of nature and highlights the special values of this site in an impressive and varied manner.

Since 2007 several classes of the primary school of the canton Freiburg are visiting every year the gravel-extraction site. Pupils from schools are given an insight into the world of gravel extraction and are able to learn new things in a series of lessons or themselves take part in shaping the learning center (e.g. by building a dry stone wall). The creation by the extraction company of this learning center, which is looked after by machine operators, foresters and trained students, has developed into a uniquely diverse small gravel extraction site oasis.

Recultivations and measures for biodiversity are realised in a pragmatic manner in Swiss gravelextraction sites and quarries.

Partners

FSKB (Swiss Gravel Industry Federation) and representatives of the cantonal services.