Website gemeente.nu has made a handy overview of various green initiatives by Dutch municipalities that encourage residents to take action. Some municipalities distribute trees and flower seed to residents free of charge.
Various municipalities have recently started planting new specimens of trees and shrubs. After all, trees play a key role in climate adaptation and biodiversity. For example, trees provide shade and provide cooling. They absorb CO2, exhale oxygen and regulate rainwater. In addition, trees provide extra habitat for animals and the greenery attracts various types of insects and birds.
Free trees
The municipality of The Hague distributes trees free of charge. The city aims to increase the canopy of all trees with 5 percent by 2030.
Utrecht is also giving away trees: 900 to be exact. In 2022, the city will exist for 900 years. “A tree for every year that Utrecht exists,” states the municipality. The trees are to be planted in residents’ gardens, in public spaces and at companies and organizations.
The Hague and Utrecht are following the earlier initiatives of other municipalities. Amersfoort led the way in treating the citizens to more than a thousand trees: 1077 applications were approved. Last year, 365 trees were given away for free by the municipality of Groningen: one for each day of the year. Inhabitants could choose from more than fifteen species.
Free flower seeds
Another variant for stimulating more biodiversity is providing flower seeds. For example, free flower seed is available for residents of the municipalities of Tubbergen, Losser, Dinkelland and Oldenzaal. The flowers that emerge from the seed mixture provide food for bees, butterflies, and other insects.
Free flower seeds are also being provided in Enschede for the fourth time. In Almere, more than 4000 requests were made for free flower seeds during a spring campaign. Almere was brought into bloom with over 40 kilos of sustainably grown flower seeds.
More inspiration?
Tiny forests are emerging in various municipalities, such as Haarlem and Oss. These are small urban forests, the size of a tennis court. Various tree species are planned here to obtain the highest possible biodiversity.
Many municipalities encourage residents to take measures with a view to climate change and also contribute themselves. From free vertical gardens to bus stops with green roofs.
More info (Dutch): https://www.gemeente.nu/ruimte-milieu/gratis-groen-in-ruil-voor-meer-biodiversiteit/
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