Arnhem gifts birth trees to new parents to boost urban greening
From April 1, every newborn in Arnhem will receive a tree as a gift from the municipality, encouraging families to green their gardens or public spaces. This initiative aims to combat climate change while creating lasting memories for parents.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Initiative | Birth tree for every newborn in Arnhem |
| Start Date | April 1, 2026 |
| Tree Collection | Via voucher at Natuurcentrum Arnhem or municipal planting days |
| First Distribution | November 21-22, 2026 |
| Municipal Goal | Greener city, climate adaptation, biodiversity |
| Collaborators | Natuurcentrum Arnhem, Arnhem Klimaatbestendig |
| Councillor | Cathelijne Bouwkamp (Urban Greening & Climate Adaptation) |
The municipality of Arnhem is responsible for urban planning and climate adaptation, focusing on creating a sustainable and livable city. This initiative aligns with their broader strategy to increase greenery in both public and private spaces to mitigate climate impacts.
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A tree for the birth of every new Arnhem resident
Starting April 1, parents in Arnhem will receive a birth tree as a gift from the municipality upon the birth of their child. They can plant this tree in their own garden or in the garden of relatives. Alternatively, they can choose to have the tree planted by the municipality during future planting days. With this initiative, the municipality acknowledges new life in Arnhem while also promoting greening in the city.
Councillor for urban greening and climate adaptation Cathelijne Bouwkamp: “The birth of a child is a special moment. Every child deserves a tangible keepsake. A tree is a beautiful way to commemorate this important milestone in the lives of parents. The birth tree grows with the family and brings not only memories but also many other positive effects. The small trees of today will be the large trees of the future. And we desperately need those large trees to prepare our city for the changing climate.”
Greener gardens
The municipality of Arnhem is working toward a healthy and livable city ready for the climate of the future. Radical greening is a key part of this effort. In public spaces, tiles are being removed to make room for greenery and shade. However, a large portion of the city’s outdoor space is owned by private individuals: the residents of Arnhem themselves. With the birth trees, the municipality hopes to encourage gardens in the city to become greener. The long-term benefits of trees are substantial: cooling, increased biodiversity, and water retention. Cathelijne Bouwkamp: “To truly green Arnhem radically, we also need the residents of Arnhem. They can contribute to a greener city by replacing tiles in their gardens with trees and plants. The birth trees help them do just that.”
Voucher for a tree
When parents register their child in Arnhem, they receive a standard letter containing the child’s personal details. Starting April 1, this letter will also include a voucher for a birth tree. The municipality is collaborating with Natuurcentrum Arnhem and Arnhem Klimaatbestendig for this initiative. Parents can use the voucher to collect the trees at designated times throughout the year. Since not every Arnhem resident has access to a garden, it is also possible to have the tree planted during planting days. Parents can stay informed about planting days and locations via arnhemklimaatbestendig.nl. The first trees will be distributed on November 21 and 22, 2026.