Zerr Oak
The Zerr oak is not impressive due to its size, but rather its resilience. It stands firm where other trees have long since reached their limits. Whilst other trees suffer from heat and drought, the Zerr oak copes well with Europe’s changing environmental conditions. Its deep roots ensure a steady supply of water, and its robust crown withstands long summers. At the same time, it is a valuable habitat tree: its acorns provide food for numerous wild animals, and some 40 species of caterpillar alone have adapted to feed on the oak.
Zerr Oak (Quercus cerris)
| Family: | Beech family, Fagaceae |
| Distribution: | Southern and south-eastern Europe to the Near East |
| Size: | 20–25 metres tall, 10–15 metres wide |
| Lifespan: | up to 500 years |
| Requirements: | full sun, wind, heat and drought resistant |
| Soil: | prefers well-drained loamy soils, also tolerates drier sites |
| Benefits: | a tree particularly well-suited to the urban environment; 40 species of caterpillar alone have adapted to the Zerr oak |
Landmarks of change
The landmarks of mining tell their own story – a story of hard work, change and a new identity. What were once functional industrial buildings are now visible reminders and popular tourist destinations.
At Zollverein, the iconic double-girder structure soars into the sky like an industrial gateway; elsewhere, the Hoheward slag heap with its Horizon Observatory demonstrates how new perspectives emerge from waste rock. Just a few metres away stands an 8.5-metre-high obelisk, a sundial that allows the date and time to be read accurately. On the banks of the Saar, the Saarpolygon sends a powerful message: a walk-through monument that brings structural change to life and opens up a view far beyond the former coalfield. Mining sites such as Göttelborn and Ensdorf have also changed – winding towers have become viewing points and popular photo spots. The former industrial sites now offer space for research, leisure and nature. The landmarks of the coalfields show just how deeply mining has shaped the regions, but also how powerful the transformation is.
Reason for planting
To mark the 10th anniversary of the Saarpolygon, we are dedicating a Zerr oak to this special landmark on our avenue. The Zerr oak symbolises endurance and renewal – just like the Polygon itself, which marks the transition from the mining era to the post-industrial future. The 30-metre-high steel structure, standing on a 150-metre-high plateau on the Duhamel slag heap, was designed by the Berlin-based architectural duo Pfeiffer/Sachse. It was selected following a Europe-wide competition. The construction was financially supported by the Saarland state government, RAG Aktiengesellschaft, RAG-Stiftung and many other donors.
