A limestone quarry in Degerhamn on Öland is now beginning its transformation into a nature area with hiking trails and swimming areas. Cementa, which owns the quarry, has been quarrying limestone at the site for many years and is now - as operations close down - embarking on a huge transformation that will create positive values for both people and biodiversity.
Ecological aftercare plan shows the way
Cementa has a policy of leaving behind land that creates positive values for people and biodiversity. Over the winter, Ecogain has helped the company develop an ecological rehabilitation plan for the area, and our experts are currently guiding the work in the field. Our consultant Sara Carlsén was recently on site when the landscape was reshaped and soil was placed.
- "It's very important that the ecological expertise is taken all the way out into the field," says Sara. "For example, we're going to recreate alvar land, which is a nutrient-poor and species-rich environment. It's easy to spread a layer of soil that's far too thick and overgrown with forest. Instead, we have created a mosaic of deep and thin soils, interspersed with bare limestone slabs just like in nature.
Unique nature with rare species
The limestone quarry is located in southern Öland, surrounded by the Stora alvar, an open cultural landscape with a unique nature and many rare species linked to the limestone. The post-treatment will recreate alvar, but also wetlands and shrublands that benefit bird life.
