Transforming dumping ground
Sometimes there are dumpsites of unnecessary material in localities that have a much higher potential than it seams. Rural areas are particularly vulnerable to the "accidental" formation of unofficial landfills somewhere in the ditch. We are no longer at a time when black and unsuitable landfills can be tolerated, and it must be realised that every piece of land, even the state-owned one, is valuable.
The concept of using dumped building materials and turn it to a tourist view point came completely spontaneously. Although dumping is banned with a big sign on the unlocked gate, it is still happening. New heaps of unwanted concrete, bricks, tiles and other material are growing on the site and creating a strange lunar landscape. Awful. And not only here. It is a trend appearing on the roadsides mainly in countryside, where there is not enough population having it under their radar and house.
The surrounding hills, villages, valleys and fields are visible from this point and that brought the idea for a view point. Why not to use this potential?
With the support of EU funds for rural development and tourism and the likes, the local government could gain an interesting area for tourists, sports people, who hike or cycle to the surrounding forests. There are not many opportunities for a walk within 20 minutes from the village centre except the dusty streets themselves. The village does not have interesting areas accessible to pedestrians.
The proposed concept involves creation of a ramp from the materials on site. Its elevated part will offer a better view of the surrounding area, seeing above vegetation and at the same time it will offer the opportunity to sit. The information board should provide a visual map - a panorama of surrounding landscape with descriptions. At the same time, it will contain information about the project itself and its purpose to reuse discarded material resulting in a new recreational zone as well as ecological habitat.
The crashed construction material provides conditions for plants of dry meadows. The space could be used to create new plant communities. The central area is to serve as a grassy area for visitors.
Meadows and shrubs should be planted on the periphery of the area. And there is a room for draught tolerant tree species, which will complete the composition and provide the shade. A pedestrian-only access walkway would also be made some of the dumped building material.
I believe that with some interest from the local population and the allocation of funds and willing people to work on the project, it will be possible to see an attractive tourist and rural development for benefit of locals and visitors alike.