Edley island - Iceland © Yann Arthus-Bertrand
Quarries Can Encourage Biodiversity
03/02/2009

Disused quarries can represent a real opportunity for biodiversity. In France alone, these sites provide a habitat for nearly 50% of birds, reptiles, amphibians and dragonflies, and shelter numerous protected species. Indeed, quarries are made up of multiple habitats, and certain ones attract significant ecological interest, housing ecosystems that have disappeared in the surrounding area. Carefully converted, these sites create a refuge, especially for ‘pioneer’ species that inhabit environments that have recently been disturbed (such as bare soil) and wetland species; quarries often make excellent places to observe aquatic birds.