Citizen science observations from the former sand quarry (NGZG) by NATUBRABZB in Flanders, Belgium

This dataset contains biodiversity observations from a nature area of approximately five hectares known as the former sand quarry and landfill, also referred to as NGZG — Natuurgebied (ex-)Zandgroeve. The site is located in the municipality of Sint-Genesius-Rode, Flemish Brabant, near the municipal boundaries of Beersel and Braine-l’Alleud. As of 2026, the site is designated as a nature area in the regional land-use plan for Flanders.Following its former use as a sand quarry and landfill, the area has acquired a meaningful new ecological role. Natural processes are returning, native vegetation is developing, and new space is being created for wildlife. The site now represents a resilient open space with increasing value for biodiversity and the surrounding communities.In a context where open space is becoming increasingly scarce, the information contained in this dataset may contribute to biodiversity research, local nature management, ecological monitoring, environmental education, and public awareness. This inventory is particularly valuable because it brings together local field experience and scientific expertise. Contributors may include certified nature guides (natuurgidsen), local observers, researchers, and professors with expertise in forest ecology, landscape ecology, and nature management, including experts affiliated with KU Leuven. Their combined contributions help document the site’s current ecological value and provide a scientific basis for its long-term conservation, continuity, and potential future protection.The dataset contains observations from a wide range of taxonomic groups, including plants, moths, mammals, birds, beetles, fungi, other arthropods, butterflies, bees, wasps and ants, reptiles and amphibians, true bugs, aphids and cicadas, mosses and lichens, flies and gnats, molluscs, grasshoppers and crickets, dragonflies, other insects, and other invertebrates.The history of the former sand quarry and landfill has become part of the site’s ecological identity. Today, the area is developing into a resilient open space in which native habitats and biodiversity recover and thrive. Most of the data was collected in the Obsidentify and Waarnemingen.be app and then exported, mapped to Darwin Core and published.