Walcheren residents compete to turn gardens green in national paving slab removal contest
Residents of Walcheren can help combat climate challenges like drought and flooding by removing paving slabs and replacing them with greenery. Join the Dutch Paving Slab Removal Championship, register your efforts, and contribute to a cooler, more resilient neighborhood—while competing for the top spot!
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Dutch Paving Slab Removal Championship (NK Tegelwippen) |
| Participating Municipalities | Veere, Middelburg, Vlissingen (Walcheren) |
| Registration | www.nk-tegelwippen.nl |
| Paving Slab Taxi Dates | 20 May 2026 (Middelburg), Biodiversity Week (May) |
| Workshops | Free "Green Gardening" workshops (dates TBA) |
| Goal | Replace paving slabs with plants, shrubs, or trees to improve climate resilience |
| Impact | Reduces heat, absorbs rainfall, supports biodiversity |
| Competition Ends | Late October 2026 |
The municipalities of Walcheren are participating in a national initiative to promote climate adaptation by encouraging residents to replace paving slabs with greenery. Local governments play a key role in facilitating community-driven environmental projects, such as providing logistical support and organizing events like workshops and collection services.
Openrijk has no cookies or ads
But could use some support
external link to whydonate.comRead the full translated article below
Walcheren takes part in the Dutch Paving Slab Removal Championship!
On 19 March 2026, the Dutch Paving Slab Removal Championship (NK Tegelwippen) kicked off. The municipality that replaces the most paving slabs with greenery will be crowned the winner in late October. The three municipalities of Walcheren are once again taking part this year. You too can help by replacing paving slabs in your garden with plants, shrubs, grass or trees. And of course, by registering your removed slabs via www.nk-tegelwippen.nl
Why remove paving slabs?
We are facing changing weather patterns in Walcheren, with longer periods of drought, higher temperatures and heavy downpours that bring large amounts of water in a short time. The greener our streets and neighbourhoods are, the better we can absorb these heavy rainfall events. A green neighbourhood is less vulnerable to drought, and greenery keeps our surroundings cooler on hot days. What’s more, we are giving nature a helping hand, especially if we choose plants that attract bees and butterflies and provide shelter for birds and other animals.
Paving Slab Taxi
Have you removed paving slabs from your garden but don’t know what to do with them? There are plenty of creative solutions. Think of building a small wall, a garden bench or table. Would you rather get rid of them? In May, during Biodiversity Week, a paving slab taxi will be driving through Veere, Middelburg and Vlissingen. It will collect your removed slabs for free. In Middelburg, you can hand in your slabs on Wednesday, 20 May. Mark this date in your calendar and keep an eye on our website and social media for more information.
Workshops
Removed paving slabs? Not sure where to start with greening your garden? Then attend one of our free “Green Gardening” workshops. We will announce the dates soon, so you can sign up.
How to take part
- Remove paving slabs from your garden
- Replace the slabs with plants, flowers or grass
- Register your removed slabs via NK Tegelwippen - Join in and register your slabs! See how the municipality of Middelburg is doing!
Take a photo of your garden before and after greening it.