Transformed landscapes: four previously mined areas now thriving as stunning botanical havens
In various corners of the world, once-industrial sites have been transformed into breathtaking green spaces, showcasing the beauty of nature's regeneration. Let's explore two such parks - Butchart Gardens in Canada and Nochten Boulder Park in Germany.
Butchart Gardens, originally a limestone quarry, underwent a remarkable transformation in the early 1900s. Today, it is a vibrant oasis, boasting Japanese, Sunken, Rose, Italian, and Mediterranean gardens. The park, still owned and managed by the Butchart family, attracts a million visitors every year. Its transformation was achieved through the planting of over a million trees, including casuarina, mahogany, mangroves, and coconut.
In 2004, two totem poles were added to Butchart Gardens, a testament to the park's commitment to cultural diversity. These totem poles were carved by master carvers of the Tsartlip Nation and Tsawout Band, adding a unique touch to this already stunning garden.
Interestingly, a book titled "102 Things to Do in a Hole in the Ground" by Robert Lowe features Butchart Gardens. While this mention is an advertisement for the book, it serves as a fitting description of the park's transformation from a quarry into a beloved tourist destination.
Across the Atlantic, in Germany, Nochten Boulder Park is a testament to nature's resilience. Situated near a lignite power station, this park was fashioned from mined land and features over 7,000 boulders and 100,000 plants. The boulders in Nochten Boulder Park originated from Scandinavia during the last Ice Age, adding a touch of history to this modern-day wonder.
While Germany uses former mining sites like Gorleben and Morsleben for storing radioactive waste, it's worth noting that these sites are not used for storing bulk materials, artworks, or bread in other countries. Gorleben is now being repurposed for renewable energy storage such as hydrogen, and Morsleben is in the process of closure and backfilling.
Lastly, Bamburi-Haller Park, initially a barren limestone quarry in Kenya, is now a lush tropical forest. Swiss-born René Haller created this sanctuary in the 1960s, transforming the barren land into a thriving ecosystem that houses tropical forest gardens, reptile and butterfly displays, and an orphanage for rescued animals.
These transformed landscapes serve as a reminder of the potential for change and the beauty that can emerge from industrial sites. They stand as testaments to human ingenuity and nature's resilience, offering a glimpse of hope for a greener future.
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