Laarbeek simplifies home insulation with wildlife research to cut costs for residents
Residents of Laarbeek can soon insulate their homes more easily and affordably. Research into protected species like house sparrows, bats, and swifts aims to eliminate the need for individual ecological surveys, saving time and money for homeowners.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Species under research | House sparrow, bat, swift |
| Location | Laarbeek, Noord-Brabant |
| Research period | April to July 2026 |
| Research activities | Morning, evening, and night rounds; observation from public roads and paths |
| Goal | Create a species management plan to streamline home insulation permits |
| Expected benefit | Eliminate individual ecological surveys, saving time and money for residents |
| Contact for questions | Laarbeek municipality |
The municipality of Laarbeek is responsible for implementing local environmental policies and ensuring compliance with national regulations on protected species. By conducting this research, the municipality aims to balance wildlife conservation with practical solutions for residents, such as simplifying the home insulation process.
Read the full translated article below
Research into house sparrows, bats and swift in Laarbeek
From April to July, we will be conducting research on three protected animal species in Laarbeek: the house sparrow, bat and swift. Ecologists will visit the neighbourhoods at fixed times during this period to determine where these animals live and nest.
What will you notice about the research?
Researchers will be in your neighbourhood. This includes evenings and nights, as bats are active at those times. The researchers can be recognised by their yellow vests. They can always identify themselves. They walk or cycle around and carry binoculars and various types of equipment. The research takes place from the public road and possibly from paths behind homes. They may occasionally stop in front of buildings and may shine torches on facades.
When will researchers be in the neighbourhood?
- 1 April to 15 May: research into house sparrows (morning rounds)
- 15 April to 15 May: bat cycling rounds in the evening
- 15 May to 17 July: night-time rounds for bat research
- 15 May to 15 July: evening rounds for swifts
What are we investigating?
We are investigating where house sparrows, bats and swifts occur, how large their populations are and where nesting and roosting sites are located.
Why are we conducting this research?
We are conducting this research to make it easier for residents to insulate their homes. Currently, every homeowner must have an ecological survey carried out before their home can be insulated. After all, you are not allowed to disturb nests of protected animals. Such an ecological survey is time-consuming and expensive. To save time and money, we are conducting this research.
We will use the research to create an environmentally friendly management plan. We call this a species management plan. The plan describes what we do to prevent damage to protected animal species. It also describes how we work with homeowners to ensure there are sufficient roosting sites for the animals, or to create new ones. Based on the species management plan, the province can grant a permit for the entire municipality. Residents can then insulate their homes without having to arrange an ecological survey themselves. This saves time and money.
Questions?
Do you have any questions about this research? Please contact us.