This year, the municipality of Maastricht, together with the Center for Nature and Environmental Education (CNME), is creating new birth forests. For example, in Limmel on Sareptastraat. On Saturday, March 15, Alderman Hubert Mackus, CNME staff, along with parents and children planted trees and shrubs there. Every child born in district North in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 received a tree or shrub. On Saturday, March 29, district Center (Frontenpark) will be next.
“A birth forest symbolizes new life,” says Alderman Hubert Mackus. “Parents and children plant trees together and see them grow. These forests provide a beautiful new play and meeting place. This way, we contribute to a greener and healthier Maastricht.”
Green Meeting Place
A birth forest is a small forest of about 2,000 to 3,000 square meters surrounded by a hedge. It consists of shrubs, small trees, climbing trees, and grassland with paths. The trees in a birth forest grow quickly and provide shade. It is also a fun place to play. The CNME maintains the forests and organizes activities there.
Greening the City
The forests ensure that water is better absorbed by the soil, help various plant and animal species in the city, improve air quality, and provide shade. All of this is important now that the climate is changing and the earth is warming. This year, the municipality is creating 2 birth forests: 1 in district North and 1 in district Center. In 2024, districts East and West will be next. Birth forests will be added step by step.
Name Monument
The birth forest also features a name monument. Parents can place their childs name on it. The names will be added later. You can also plant a tree and/or place a name for children who have passed away after birth or during pregnancy.
More Information
Read more about the birth forests and the greening of the city via the page Green and Greening.