After the cement plant was shut down in 1974, the quarry was left to develop naturally. No planting or seeding was carried out. To colonize this extreme habitat, Mother Nature sent in her specialists—species capable of taking root in soil-free, extremely dry, and calcareous environments. These pioneer communities of mosses and lichens are followed by undemanding herbs and grasses, and later by the first woody plants. Open areas are colonized by calcareous grasslands. In the shade of the quarry walls, the first heat-loving shrubs begin to grow. The result is a biotic community comprising numerous endangered and sensitive habitat types.
Since 2010, the Gröne quarry has been designated a nature reserve.
Noteworthy are the temporary pools of rainwater that form on the quarry floor. They serve as spawning grounds for endangered amphibian species such as the midwife toad, which gives itself away on warm, humid spring evenings with its metallic-sounding “ping” call. Inhabitants of steep rock faces—such as the eagle owl, jackdaw, and turtle dove—along with many other rare birds have found a new home here.
Guided tours of the abandoned limestone quarry, where the various stages of succession are clearly visible, are available upon request (Tel.: 02942/50049).
The quarry is managed by VerBund e.V. The owner is HeidelbergCement AG.
