Virtual tour around the Górażdże Limestone Quarry
Since October 2020, the natural wealth of the area around the Górażdże Limestone Quarry can be admired by the public – via the internet. And there is a lot to see!
Almost 45 species of birds live there, as well as amphibians, reptiles and many different plants. Due to the ‘#stayathome’ rule in response to COVID-19, the GÓRAŻDŻE Active in the Region Foundation has set up a virtual version of the nature and educational trail around the quarry.
The project, which is mainly aimed at primary schools but also at everyone interested in nature, is a great alternative given the impossibility to visit the Górażdże Limestone Quarry in person. All that’s needed for a virtual walk along the trail is a computer, tablet or smartphone.
Górażdże
A trail to knowledge
Before the pandemic, the nature trail at the Górażdże Limestone Quarry, which was built in 2009, was a popular destination for educational trips for schoolchildren and students, as well as a place for events and picnics for the local community. The virtual version, based on Street View technology, can be accessed via the websites of the Foundation and the Górażdże Group. It allows visitors to tour areas rich in nature and learn more about the numerous species of plants and animals in an interactive way without leaving their home.
The virtual tour provides information about the raw material deposit, ongoing reclamation works and presents boards with descriptions of valuable flora and fauna species as well as a multimedia guide combining visual, audio, and text elements.
Górażdże
“The high value of animate and inanimate nature in the area surrounding the Górażdże Quarry is undeniable. In addition to reptiles, amphibians, birds and insects, there are also unique mammal species,” says Monika Szafranek, Head of the project and Coordinator of biodiversity projectsat Górażdze Cement .“The steep slopes of the excavations and the surrounding forests are an ideal environment for mouflons – the Górażdże herd of these wild sheep is one of only a few in Poland. Originally, they lived only in Sardinia and Corsica, but were brought to Europe in the 18th century. Thanks to the nature trail, visitors can ‘meet them at home’!”
Another example of a unique quarry landscape are the sinkholes. They are formed by rain penetrating deep into the rock and enriching them with carbon dioxide. The water becomes acidic and begins to dissolve the limestone rocks, hollowing out crevices. The tunnels created in this way are filled with various types of clay and peat formations, creating a karst crater.
Eco-Quarry 2020
Realisation of the project required a huge number of photos, videos, descriptions and educational material. Górażdże Cement SA had some of this material in their stock, but much of it was provided by partners cooperating with the Foundation. “The virtual path is the result of a long collaboration between Górażdże and nature conservation organisations such as the NATRIX Herpetology Society, the Nature and Man Association, the Keppler Science Center in Zielona Góra and the Opole Natural Society. Its creation would not have been possible without the expert knowledge and materials obtained from these partners,” says Małgorzata Dąbrowska, CSR Coordinator. The virtual path was awarded second place in the third edition of the Eco-Quarry 2020 competition organised under the patronage of the Minister of Climate and Environment in Poland.
Górażdże
Cooperation with schools
In order to increase awareness of the project and encourage schools to take a virtual tour of the reclaimed areas of the quarry, the GÓRAŻDŻE Active in the Region Foundation initiated an internet competition for schools under the slogan ‘Eco-knowledge Mine’. In December 2020, more than 300 pupils from 11 local schools participated in a quiz, answering questions about biodiversity at the quarry. In this way, they were able to reinforce the knowledge gained during the multimedia trip. Monetary prizes were awarded to the three schools that engaged the most students and achieved the highest number of correct answers. They will be able to spend the money on any educational project carried out in 2021. 18 students who reached the maximum number of points received individual prizes.
Górażdże
“The virtual path project will be continued and developed further,” concludes Monika Szafranek. From March 2021, the virtual nature trail will be also available in English and the information about flora and fauna species living in the quarry will be updated regularly.
Visit the virtual nature trail surrounding Górażdże Limestone Quarry (in English and Polish language)
