Grube Cox, Nature reserve in Bergisch Gladbach, Germany.
Grube Cox is a protected nature area in Bergisch Gladbach containing four deep lakes with greenish-blue water surrounded by rocky slopes and deciduous forest. The site covers approximately 22 hectares and provides various habitats for plants and animals.
The site was a dolomite quarry from 1969 to 1985, where stone was extracted for mirror glass production in Cologne-Porz. After mining stopped, the area naturally recovered and became a protected reserve in 1996.
Local visitors and school groups come here to observe nature and learn about the site. Information boards tell the story of how an industrial site transformed into a place where wildlife thrives.
A marked circular trail with red-topped oak fence posts guides visitors through the area and connects to observation points. The path is easy to walk and provides several spots to watch birds and other wildlife.
The nutrient-poor water and sun-exposed pioneer sites support rare species typically found in river floodplains, such as kingfishers and grass snakes. These conditions make the area an unexpected habitat for species that are normally located much farther away.
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