Fraunhofer Steinbruch, Nature reserve in Erkrath, Germany.
Fraunhofer Steinbruch is a protected area near the Neandertal region featuring limestone cliffs, young forests, and varied grassland types. The landscape shows two horizontal terraces on the north-facing cliff walls, while the quarry floor contains dry grasslands with heat and light-loving plants.
The area received formal protection status in 1993 and underwent a major reassessment in 2012 to establish updated conservation guidelines. This review helped ensure the site's special features were better safeguarded.
The place functions as a learning site where visitors can observe geological formations and watch how pioneer plants naturally develop on limestone. The open grasslands and cliff faces demonstrate how life thrives in extreme locations.
The site is best explored on foot, with level paths making most of the terrain accessible. Regular mowing of the grasslands is needed to maintain plant diversity, so visitors should be considerate during maintenance work.
The area houses rare moss species like Rhytidiadelphus triquestrus and specialized fern varieties including Hart's Tongue fern. These plants thrive on the limestone rocks where few other species can survive.
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