Mitteldeutsche Baustoffe GmbH

Objective

The little ringed plover (Charadrius dubius), a rare specie of the limicoles, originally settled on the gravel islands and flat banks of unobstructed rivers. The open gravel pit Löberitz should be a valuable substitute through renaturalization.

Context

In the Löberitz open gravel pit high-quality gravel and sand surcharge material for the concrete industry have been produced since 1994. The silt and fine sand components return to the gravel lake, as well as oversized stones. The remaining sand and grit areas in the bank of the lake are potential nesting habitats for the little ringed plovers.

Solution

To preserve the open sand surfaces as habitats for the birds, the originally intended fertile soil covering and reforestation was put aside. Instead of this, the rehabilitation programme focused on the natural development of indigenous plant species. Plantations are intended only in the border of the lake to avoid nutrient input from surrounding agriculture land use. In addition, islands of sand and other fine material in central parts of the gravel lake are planned.

Result

In 2007 three nesting pairs of the little ringed plover were observed in the Löberitz open gravel pit. Other limicoles uses the location regularly as food habitats. Obviously the birds prefer the sand deposits almost free of vegetation in the older parts of the mining area.

Partners

SEP Steine und Erden Planungsgesellschaft mbH.