Fryslân residents join national effort to swap tiles for greenery, boosting climate resilience
Residents of De Fryske Marren can now participate in the National Tile-Removal Championship, replacing hard surfaces with plants to reduce heat stress and flooding. The initiative, launched in Tjerkgaast, encourages community action for a greener, more sustainable living environment.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Initiative | National Tile-Removal Championship |
| Municipality | De Fryske Marren (Fryslân) |
| Duration | March 19 – October 31, 2026 |
| Launch Location | Gaestdyk, Tjerkgaast |
| Alderman Involved | Jan van Zanden |
| Partners | Dynhus, Accolade, Sociaal Werk De Kear |
| Tile Taxi Service | Free collection: April 13–19 & September 28–October 4 |
| Benefits | Cooler streets, better water drainage, more biodiversity |
| Participation | Report tiles via www.nktegelwippen.nl |
De Fryske Marren Municipality plays a key role in local climate adaptation initiatives, such as the National Tile-Removal Championship. By collaborating with residents and organizations, the municipality promotes sustainable urban development and community engagement in environmental projects.
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Read the full translated article below
Tiles out, green in! National Tile-Removal Championship kicks off with community action in Tjerkgaast
De Fryske Marren Municipality is once again participating in the National Tile-Removal Championship. From March 19 to October 31, we are joining forces with municipalities across the Netherlands to replace as many tiles as possible with greenery. Every tile that makes way for plants helps combat heat stress and waterlogging while contributing to a more pleasant living environment for people and animals alike.
The campaign was launched in Tjerkgaast. On Gaestdyk, between the public road and the cycle path, Alderman Jan van Zanden, together with Tjerkgaast Local Interest Group and the Neighbourhood Management team, removed the first tiles. The Local Interest Group had indicated a need for more greenery in the village. After careful consultation, this location was chosen as the starting point.
Currently, soil improvers are being applied to the site where the tiles were removed. In the autumn, native and perennial plants will be planted, creating a naturally blooming haven for insects, reducing heat stress, and allowing rainwater to drain away more effectively when needed.
What is the National Tile-Removal Championship?
The National Tile-Removal Championship is a nationwide competition in which municipalities and their residents are challenged to replace tiles with greenery. All removed tiles can be registered and count towards the national tile counter. In De Fryske Marren, we are collaborating with Dynhus, Accolade, and Sociaal Werk De Kear on this initiative.
A green garden or street offers many benefits:
- It provides cooling on hot days
- Rainwater can seep into the ground more effectively
- It offers more space for plants and animals
Participation is easy
Anyone can take part by replacing tiles with greenery in their own garden or neighbourhood. Report your removed tiles via the National Tile-Removal Championship website.
You can dispose of your tiles for free at the waste processing site (with proof of participation) or use the Tile Taxi service.
The Tile Taxi
During the National Tile-Removal Championship, the Tile Taxi will be driving through the municipality from April 13 to 19 and from September 28 to October 4 to collect removed tiles from residents’ homes free of charge. The Tile Taxi only collects tiles that have been replaced with greenery.