Evaluating biodiversity and ecosystem services offered by spontaneous revegetation in a restored quarry area in Tuscany

This study illustrates results of an ecological survey performed on a former quarry area, morphologically reshaped from late 1990s, through the use of red gypsum obtained as a by-product from the production cycle of a facility in Italy. After emplacement of the red gypsum in the former quarry, the area underwent spontaneous revegetation. To evaluate the ongoing restoration process and to document existing ecological values, a geopedological survey, a preliminary vegetation survey, and preparation of a wildlife checklist were conducted in autumn 2023; additionally, desktop studies were carried out to identify the expected vegetation series and habitats for the area. A preliminary assessment was also carried out to identify the main ecosystem services currently provided by the subject area. The investigations showed that, although of its recent origin and the modest rate of pedological evolution, the area currently presents elements of high ecological value: The observed vegetation is consistent with the successional series expected for the area and the observed ecological features (in terms of vegetational structures, outcropping soils, and more arid microclimatic conditions) introduce elements of habitat diversity with respect to the surrounding area (a dense wood), favoring therefore the presence of animal species adapted to habitats that are limiting for many. Specifically, the southern portion of the area displays a complex assemblage of different native plant species, while the northern part of the area is characterized by the presence of a dense bramble bush, a species of ecological value for wildlife since offering food, refuge, habitat, and pollination. Overall results thus indicate that the approach adopted in the restoration of the former quarry allowed a functional restoration of the area; on the basis of this work, key suggestions were provided to optimize the management of the restored area, meanwhile monitoring its temporal evolution.