Putten residents plant trees and tackle garden paving to boost local greenery
Residents of Putten are taking action to preserve the local landscape by planting trees and reducing garden paving. With free plants on offer for removed paving stones, the initiative aims to combat climate effects and support biodiversity in both rural and urban areas.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Campaign Name | Inheriting Greenery (Landschapsbeheer Gelderland) |
| Participants | 33 residents |
| Location | Putten, Gelderland |
| Tree Planting Sites | Rural areas, Landgoed Blarinckhorst |
| Garden Initiative | Free plants in exchange for paving stones |
| Website | www.putten.nl |
| Contact for Feedback | Email with "Fontanusplein 1" in the subject line |
The municipality of Putten, in collaboration with Landschapsbeheer Gelderland, plays a key role in preserving the local landscape and promoting biodiversity. These efforts align with broader environmental goals, such as climate adaptation and sustainable land use, which are priorities for local governance.
Read the full translated article below
A green spring
Column by Alderman Bertus Cornelissen
Are you feeling the spring fever too? I certainly am. Spring may well be my favourite season. Everything is coming back to life. In the garden, I see birds busily building nests, the first bumblebees clumsily buzzing from flower to flower, and trees slowly turning green again. Even the first lettuce has already been planted. Nature is waking up.
Change
I grew up on a farm, but now I live in the village. Still, whenever I can, I take a look around Huinen or somewhere else in our rural area. Our landscape is beautiful, steeped in history. But such places don’t stay beautiful on their own. Many farmers are retiring, land is being used differently, and old farmhouses sometimes fall into disrepair. It breaks my heart. It feels like we’re witnessing the end of an era, and the soul of the countryside is disappearing.
Planting
This past winter, I had the chance to distribute and plant trees in several locations in Putten’s rural areas. A total of 33 residents took part in Landschapsbeheer Gelderland’s “inheriting greenery” campaign. I also planted trees with a school class at Landgoed Blarinckhorst, helping to restore an old hedge.
High-five
After all, a hedge doesn’t maintain itself. It needs to be trimmed and replenished now and then. And let’s be honest—this often gets overlooked. That’s why initiatives like these are so valuable, and that’s why we’ve made it an annual tradition. The enthusiastic reactions from children, parents, and estate owners speak for themselves. A high-five after every tree planted!
Cat’s bell
You can also help out in the village. In spring, keep your cat indoors at night or attach a bell to its collar. It makes more of a difference to bird populations than you might think. And take a look at your own garden: could it be greener? More and more people are paving over their gardens. Rainwater has nowhere to go, and in summer, the patio turns into a hot plate. The result? Your home doesn’t cool down either.
Action
The solution is actually quite simple: less stone, more green. It’s cheaper, prettier, and better. That’s why we’ve launched a great campaign: bring in a paving stone and receive free plants. Check www.putten.nl to see how you can participate.
Whether you live in the countryside or in the village, a green spring starts with you.
Respond to this column?
We’d love to hear from you! Email us with “Fontanusplein 1” in the subject line.