Greening of the Stadsbuitengracht
Residents living beside the Stadsbuitengracht in Utrecht (a canal that once surrounded the old city centre) have united in an initiative group called the Greening of the Canal (Vergroening Singel). The group’s aim is to make the canal surroundings greener and more attractive.
Green banks and flowing, clean water are important for the liveability and ecological quality of the city. Climate change is bringing heavier rainstorms, longer dry periods, and more heat to the city. More and varied green vegetation helps to combat pluvial flooding, stores rainwater in the ground for dry periods, cools the air, and provides a cleaner environment and better living conditions for people, animals and plants.
Results
The Initiative Group has worked with the municipality of Utrecht and the district water board for the last three years. The group of residents was the central contact point in this effort. They ensure that volunteers carry out the maintenance and small management work.
The Greening of the Stadsbuitengracht project will be a long-term endeavour. The first ideas for the project were conceived back in 2013. In 2016, the first measures were implemented. This long run-up period to the start was related to the fact that a part of the Stadbuitengracht is designated as a historical heritage site. This means that not everything is allowed or is possible. The project is also an initiative of the residents in the area. Experience teaches that the time that residents can spend on an initiative, next to their other activities, is limited.
The initiative group included residents that are engaged with this subject professionally or that have a relevant network. In addition, there was considerable support for the initiative from the municipality and the district water board. Both aspects were an important factor in the success of this pilot project.
The greening of Utrecht’s Stadsbuitengracht involved a three-year pilot project. The pilot project is a prelude to the Utrecht canal serving as a green ribbon, with active residents that help in its management.
Contact person
Erwin Rebergen
Gemeente Utrecht
+31(0)6 14 51 44 74
e.rebergen@utrecht.nl