Hilvarenbeek residents swap tiles for greenery in successful Samen Groener Day
Hundreds of Hilvarenbeek residents traded pavement for plants during Samen Groener Day, boosting local biodiversity and cooling gardens. Free compost, wood chips, and crown rings for waste reduction were also up for grabs, with a second collection day on April 1.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Samen Groener Day |
| Date | March 31, 2026 (second collection: April 1, 2026, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM) |
| Location | Hilvarenbeek, Noord-Brabant |
| Organizers | Municipality of Hilvarenbeek & B-team (Biodiversity Team) |
| Free items offered | Compost, wood chips, plants, fruit trees, crown rings |
| Compost source | Local vegetable, fruit, and garden waste |
| Wood chips source | Municipal pruning waste |
| Target audience | Residents, primary school students (Group 7) |
| Environmental benefits | Cooler gardens, better rainwater drainage, reduced sewer burden |
The Municipality of Hilvarenbeek organizes initiatives like Samen Groener Day to promote sustainability and biodiversity at the local level. It collaborates with environmental groups, such as the Vereniging Natuur en Milieu Hilvarenbeek, to engage residents in greening efforts and waste reduction programs.
Read the full translated article below
What a successful Samen Groener Day!
The Samen Groener Day this year brought plenty of enjoyment. Young and old came along with trailers, wheelbarrows, and buckets to fill with compost and wood chips, and to exchange tiles for free plants. The many children in particular drew attention. They proudly handed in their own tiles and went home enthusiastically with cheerful plants for butterflies and bees.
The event, organized together with the B-team (Biodiversity Team of the Vereniging Natuur en Milieu Hilvarenbeek), shows that greening is not complicated at all. By replacing just a few tiles with plants, a garden not only becomes more beautiful, but also cooler on hot days. Rainwater can drain away better, reducing the risk of waterlogging and easing the burden on the sewer system. And of course, bees and butterflies get more food and shelter.
A local circular economy in action
There was plenty of compost available, made from locally collected vegetable, fruit, and garden waste. The municipality is pleased to see how gratefully it was received. Many residents filled their buckets, bins, and trailers with compost and wood chips. These wood chips, derived from pruning waste from the municipality, are popular as natural mulch. They keep the soil moist and help prevent weeds.
Those who missed the event still have a chance. On Wednesday, April 1, between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM, compost and wood chips can be collected again. Hurry—while supplies last!
Teaching the young is green done
Many primary school students also participated. Children from Group 7 collected their own fruit trees. They were given an explanation about biodiversity and why greenery is so important. This way, they learn early on how they can contribute to a healthy living environment.
Less litter with the crown ring
In addition to greening, attention was also paid to a clean neighborhood. Visitors could take home a crown ring. This ring can be attached to a lamppost, preventing PMD bags from blowing away and tearing. From April 1, crown rings can also be collected at the reception desk of the town hall. More information can be found on this page on our website.
With the large turnout and the enthusiasm of the participants, the Samen Groener Day was a success. Fewer tiles, more greenery, and above all: working together for a pleasant and future-proof municipality.