Lingewaard residents and municipality team up to tackle climate change with greener gardens
Residents of Lingewaard are joining forces with the local government to combat climate challenges like waterlogging and heat stress by greening gardens, streets, and public spaces. Discover how small changes can make a big difference for a cooler, healthier, and more sustainable community.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Municipality | Lingewaard, Gelderland |
| Climate Challenges | Waterlogging, drought, heat stress, declining biodiversity |
| Support Programs | Free garden coach, disconnection coach, Paving Taxi |
| Event | Garden Greening Day on 28 March 2026 |
| Free Greening Kit | Available for registered participants at Garden Greening Day |
| Partners | Waardwonen, Stichting Lingewaard Natuurlijk, Province of Gelderland, etc. |
| Benefits of Greening | Cooler streets, better water absorption, increased biodiversity |
| Tools & Resources | InLingewaard app, www.steenbreek.nl |
The municipality of Lingewaard plays a key role in facilitating climate adaptation by integrating green spaces and smart water management into urban planning. It also supports residents through initiatives like free coaching and community events to encourage local participation in sustainability efforts.
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A Greener Lingewaard
Lingewaard is in the midst of a period of change. We are noticing it in wetter winters, hotter summers and longer dry spells. But we also see something else: more and more residents taking action themselves. People who are greening their gardens, collecting rainwater, replacing tiles with plants and making their streets greener together. That is truly inspiring.
As a municipality, we are taking responsibility by consistently choosing more green spaces, smart water storage and designs that are future-proof in our projects. Not just because it is necessary, but because a green living environment is simply more pleasant to live in. Green streets are cooler, healthier and invite people to meet each other.
Fortunately, we are not doing this alone. And we do not have to. The real power lies in what we do together. Every front garden, rain barrel, tree or border counts. Small choices make a big difference when combined. These pages show how you can get involved and what support is available. We warmly invite you to take steps, in your own way and at your own pace.
Together, we are building a strong, liveable and future-proof Lingewaard. For ourselves, for our children and for everyone who calls this place home.
The world is changing and we are changing with it
Why greening is so important
The climate is changing. We are facing more frequent waterlogging, drought, heat and declining biodiversity. By taking small measures, you can help make Lingewaard stronger and greener. A climate-resilient environment is good for people, animals and nature.
Reducing waterlogging and heat stress
As a municipality, we are working on better water drainage and more places where rainwater can soak into the ground. We are doing this, for example, when redesigning streets and residential areas. You can help by disconnecting your downpipe and greening your garden. This reduces the risk of waterlogging in your area. In addition, more green spaces provide cooling on hot days. Plants evaporate water, providing natural cooling. Trees also provide shade, lowering the perceived temperature.
More biodiversity in the municipality
Plants, flowers and trees attract insects, birds and other animals. Within the Landscape, Nature and Biodiversity Programme, we are working to make Lingewaard greener. In our InLingewaard app, we regularly post announcements about meetings related to greening our municipality. Would you like to stay informed? Download the app and follow our projects.
Did you know… trees act as natural air conditioning?
Under a tree, the radiant heat can be up to 30 degrees lower than in full sun.
Did you know… green gardens help prevent waterlogging?
Plants retain rainwater longer and allow it to soak into the ground more effectively.
Did you know… disconnecting rainwater reduces pressure on the sewer system and replenishes the soil?
Rainwater no longer enters the sewer but flows into your garden or is stored in a rain barrel. This helps prevent waterlogging and replenishes groundwater.
Did you know… Dutch gardens combined are larger than all nature reserves?
Our gardens can together form a huge habitat for birds, bees and butterflies. Every greened garden really makes a difference for biodiversity.
Did you know… paved gardens retain heat like a battery?
Paving stones heat up quickly and cool down very slowly. As a result, paved streets or gardens stay much warmer for longer, sometimes up to 8°C warmer than other areas.
Green your garden!
More and more residents are making their garden or street greener. Small steps make a big difference when combined. And you do not have to do it alone.
Our garden coach is ready to help you. The garden coach will visit you free of charge, look at the possibilities with you and create a simple planting plan that suits your wishes. Looking for inspiration? Visit www.steenbreek.nl for examples and practical tips.
Disconnect your downpipe and collect rainwater
If you disconnect your downpipe from the sewer, rainwater will flow directly into your garden or rain barrel.
This prevents waterlogging in your garden during heavy rainfall and you save drinking water when watering your plants with rainwater. In addition, rainwater is softer than tap water and therefore better for your plants. Our disconnection coach provides free advice at your home. Together, you will look at the best solution for your home and garden.
Paving Taxi
Want to swap tiles for greenery? The municipality is happy to help. Every first Wednesday of the month, the Paving Taxi drives by to pick up your garden tiles for free.
To make an appointment with the garden coach, disconnection coach or the Paving Taxi? Sign up here and we will come and help you!
Garden Greening Day
On 28 March, we are organising the Garden Greening Day. An inspiring day for anyone who wants to live more sustainably.
What can you expect?
- If you have registered, you will receive a free greening kit.
- Not registered? You are still welcome!
- Get free garden and disconnection advice.
- IVN Natuureducatie will provide fun and educational activities.
- There will be playful nature activities for children.
Together we are making Lingewaard greener
We are working together with Waardwonen, Stichting Lingewaard Natuurlijk, Stichting Boomrijk Lingewaard, Stichting Steenbreek and the Province of Gelderland. Together, we are taking steps towards a future-proof and green environment. Will you join us?
Tips for your garden
Going green? Great! Choose strong, low-maintenance plants that can withstand drought.
- Wild marjoram – hardy, native, bee-friendly
- Oxeye daisy – low-maintenance, attracts many insects
- Sedum – drought-tolerant and ideal for bees
- Lavender – fragrant, drought-resistant and a favourite of butterflies
Create a simple front garden
A front garden provides cooling, more greenery and better water absorption on the street.
- Remove one row of tiles, maximum 30-60 cm. Watch out for cables and leave 1.2 metres of pavement free.
- Replace the soil with garden soil (30 cm deep).
- Choose suitable plants, such as climbing plants and low-growing flowers.