Flächennaturdenkmal Steinbruch Oberschöna

“Did the rocks whisper secrets of the earth?” a child once asked, standing at the edge of Flächennaturdenkmal Steinbruch Oberschöna. The Flächennaturdenkmal Steinbruch Oberschöna, southwest of Freiberg, stretches across 19 hectares. This former quarry, now a protected natural monument, holds a captivating story. It’s a tale of industry, nature’s resilience, and the delicate balance between the two. The quarry’s history began in the early 1990s, a revival of smaller quartzite quarries in the area. Economic realities forced its closure only a few years later. Then, in 2006, the Naturschutz Sachsen e.V. (NaSa) acquired the land, marking a turning point for Flächennaturdenkmal Steinbruch Oberschöna. With the cessation of water pumping, a nutrient-poor, deep residual water body formed at the bottom of the quarry. This marked the beginning of the area’s transformation into a haven for wildlife. The quarry floor, characterized by quartzite sand and gravel, began to evolve through natural succession. The loose substrates on the slopes became home to the common wall lizard. The residual water body, the former pump sump, and temporary pools in ground depressions and tracks became spawning grounds for the common toad and grass frog. For several years, owls have successfully bred in the former mining area. In 2019, NaSa implemented a comprehensive biotope and species protection measure. This included the creation of several new spawning waters and the clearing of scrub from the quarry floor. They also created open ground areas and implemented measures against illegal activities. Motocross riding, camping, and garbage dumping threatened the biotope character and the tranquility of the area. Today, the Flächennaturdenkmal Steinbruch Oberschöna stands as a testament to nature’s ability to reclaim and transform even the most industrial of landscapes. But a word of caution. The lower quarry floor is strictly off-limits due to the considerable risk of rockfall and landslides. The whispers of the earth here are best appreciated from a safe distance.