Verge Award 2025
The choice was not easy this time. Ecological verge and green management is increasingly becoming the standard. The winning municipality managed to distinguish itself. The municipality of Nijmegen has been applying ecological verge and green management for more than 10 years. Lawns not used for recreational purposes are mowed no more than once or twice every few years. The municipality uses the Kleurkeur, a useful guide from the Butterfly Foundation for ecological verge management. It also informs residents as well as possible with clear information on its website and posts on social media.
Different types of flowers and grasses
The municipality also pays a lot of attention to monitoring biodiversity (different living species in an area). The city ecologist started a monitoring project together with volunteers: at 100 locations they count different types of flowers and grasses, as well as species such as mushrooms, dragonflies, and butterflies. The municipality also looks at the restoration and preservation of rare species, such as the black-blue rampion. All collected data is used to assess the effect of ecological verge and green management. The company that mows the verges also actively contributes to improving management and communication with residents.
Sheep flocks
The municipality of Nijmegen also has 3 flocks of Kempisch heath sheep roaming its territory. This is an original Dutch sheep breed. The sheep contribute to more diverse plant and animal species in the grazed areas. In winter, the sheep are fed with mowing residue from local sources. The flocks sometimes move through the city, from one area to another. A beautiful sight to see and experience!
Almost all municipalities in Gelderland involved in ecological verge management
The 2024 ‘verge monitor’ shows that almost all municipalities in Gelderland are engaged in ecological verge and green management. Water boards and we, as managers of provincial roads, also manage verges (and dikes) ecologically. The number of kilometers of verge managed this way is also growing. It is worrying that in some municipalities ecological management is under pressure due to lack of funding. It remains important to jointly emphasize the importance of this.
Growth of biodiversity
Ecological verge management is a very successful way to increase biodiversity. Not only does the diversity of species grow in the verge itself, but adjacent natural areas also benefit. Residents can enjoy the flowers, providing a piece of nature experience close to home. The presentation of this Verge Award is truly a compliment to the work.
Province of Gelderland
Want to know more about ecological verge management?
If you want to start with ecological verge management and need support, please contact the Provincial Desk.
If you want to know how we manage our verges, please visit Ecological verge management.
