Green Connects! Welcome in , greenest village of the ! : Waterport of the Peel. Index A green area abounding in water, with many Welcome in Beek en Donk outdoor activities and a rich social life. We are proud of all volunteers and organiza- Welcome in Beek en Donk 2 tions that helped us creating a green and Beek en Donk is a village, part of the municipality Laarbeek and located liveable Laarbeek. Together we are working in the region Peelland (province of North-Brabant) in Southern Nether- on a sustainable future, to make sure our Themes lands. In 1997, Laarbeek was established by merging the former muni- next generation still can enjoy our natural cipalities Beek en Donk, Aarle-Rixtel, and . Its name Planning and development 3-4 treasures. By participating in the European regenerated from the downtown area ‘Het Laar’ and ‘Beek’ accentuates Natural environment 5-6 Entente Florale and by showing our green vision, we hope to increase awareness of the stream valley. The valleys of the streams Goorloop and contribute Built environment 7-10 the importance of our green environment. to the unique green area of Beek en Donk. Landscape 11-12 Open green spaces 13-14 Thematic prize: Biodiversity 15-16 Planting - Permanent and/or seasonal 17-18 Environmental education 19-20 Effort and involvement 21-22 We are happy to share our green Tourism and/or leisure 23-24 vision. The rich monumental References 25-26 heritage combined with the open green spaces is characteristic for Beek en Donk. We will show examples of projects where we have integrated development with conservation of our valuable natural environment and existing landscape. Through education, leisure facilities and communi- cation we involve the residents of Beek en Donk in our projects. This has led to numerous green initiatives and active volunteer organizations. During our tour you get to meet these people and our projects. Green Connects! 1 2 Planning and development planting). District green also consists of green Focus Group Green areas and line structures, but improves live- Our Focus Group Green gives us advice on Our green vision is an essential element in the formation of new plans, ability of the neighbourhood. Green squares, developmental plans. This group repre- for instance, function as play and meeting sents volunteer nature organizations IVN since it is one of our most remarkable qualities. In the Structural Vision grounds. Finally, additional green consists of Laarbeek (nature education) and founda- and Green Policy Plan we defined the importance of the green features public green spaces in residential streets with tion Laarbeeks Landschap (local landscape), of Beek en Donk and the way we will maintain them. a decorating function. Heemkundekring (local history), Southern Agriculture and Horticulture Organization The classification forms the basis for policy ZLTO and TOP Brabant (leisure and tou- Structural vision: our spatial course Green Policy and Green Master Plan decisions and maintenance levels, whether it rism). New projects and policies related to The remarkable qualities of Beek en Donk In the Green Policy and Green Master concerns protection of trees or facilitation of green or rural areas are discussed within are defined in our structural vision ‘Growth Plan the green structure of Beek en Donk resident participation. The maintenance level this group before decisions are taken. Plans in Balance’. This vision is developed by the has been analyzed and classified as: main of the main green structure is intensive (mo- may be adjusted to ensure their support. town council and forms our fundamentals green structure, district green and addi- wing multiple times per year), whereas district for the green spatial course we take. Our di- tional green. In the main green structure, green and additional green are less intensively Nature development on private areas verse landscape, our wet area, the friendly green elements determine the character managed. Additionally, green areas in the rural through funding village atmosphere and the nearby benefits and townscape of Beek en Donk, by ac- area and at the edge of the village are ecolo- of the city, are essential qualities. Sustai- centuating the urban design and historical gically managed (mowing twice a year) to sup- nability of both buildings and environment structure of Beek en Donk. These green port nature development and biodiversity. improves our natural and landscape values elements consist of green areas (parks and and increases biodiversity. plantations) and line structures (roads with Residential involvement We involve our residents in the development of our municipality, as much as possible. New policy plans are not developed in the town hall anymore, but together with those involved. However, the policy board keeps control by

clearly describing the possibilities in the open Classification of the green structure of Beek en Donk. Main green structure consist of red lines en green areas green spaces and idea requests. For instance, Pasture bird pond established through STIKA the influence of residents is great in district In recent years, Beek en Donk has invested green, like playgrounds or green squares. in Stimulation Framework Green-Blue Ser- is discharged to water retention areas in the However, the possibilities in the main green vices (STIKA) and project ‘ErvenPlus’, focu- open green spaces within and surrounding structure are limited, since its structure may sed on improvement of biodiversity in the Beek en Donk. In the case of extreme rains, not get fragmented. Additional green is in par- rural area and on farmyards. Residents and we accept temporary puddles in the streets, ticular ideal to be designed and maintained by companies can apply for financial support as long as these stay between the curbs. residents, due to its flexible design range. to maintain existing, or develop new nature During sewage renovations, separate sewer areas and landscape elements. Fifty percent systems are placed to separate rainwater of the support is funded by the municipality from household wastewater. In this way, we and the other fifty percent by the province are able to reduce pollution of our streams of North-Brabant. and cope with extreme weather events due to climate change. Rainwater retention at the edge of the village Sustainable use of rainwater One of the characteristics of our ‘water vil- lage’ is the sustainable use of rainwater. We retain rainwater as long as possible in order to prevent problems downstream during heavy rains. Rainwater infiltrates or Green Structural Vision ‘Growth in Balance’ Developing new plans with those involved Connects! 4 Natural environment Weed control in Beek en Donk is primarily and residual waste of Beek en Donk is the The first steps are taken by the program have solar panels on top of our roof. Ad- focused on prevention by taking care of cheapest in the whole region. About 75% of ‘Laarbeek Energetic’ that focuses on: ditionally, service bicycles are available to The two canals and the south-north orientated streams are characte- lawns, planting of species that grow rapidly waste material collected in Beek en Donk is • investing, not just maintaining; reduce car use. and reduction of pavement. This leads of- recycled. However, our goal is to increase • facilitating, stimulating and supporting ristic to Beek en Donk. The streams form the blood vessels of the lands- ten to reformation of open green spaces or this percentage to 95% by 2020 and we st- the strength of our residents, young Social sustainability cape and are responsible for the wet valuable areas. These areas form the removal of pavement in order to reduce rive for a circular economy according to the people, companies, institutions and as- People with disabilities and people with a the habitat for many native flora and fauna species, but water plays weed pressure. principle ‘From Waste To Resource’. sociations; distance to the labor market have an im- • considering the health and welfare of portant role in the maintenance of open also a significant role for the community. Drinking water is extracted future generations (leisure, taking care, green spaces in Beek en Donk. They carry for thousands of people, ground water is used to brew beer by brewery living and working); out green maintenance activities in Beek en Bavaria, and wastewater is purified in the sewage. A full hydrological • mobilizing society; Donk and clients of Foundation ORO (peo- • involving people with disabilities in the ple with learning disabilities) help us weekly cycle within our municipal boundaries! society (social sustainability); by picking up litter. In addition, guidance is • supporting initiatives from the commu- of-fered to unemployed people. Sustainabi- nity, and help them achieve. lity means for us also that we take care of Water, air and soil are made of starch and decompose comple- the more vulnerable groups. Therefore, we Beek en Donk is located in a rural area and tely after a few months. The use of bioplas- One project within our sustainability pro- have also established a vegetable garden has therefore limited problems with air tics reduces pesticide use with 75%. quality. Technical features, like air scrub- gram is Dragons’ Den, which boosts crea- near the new senior homes as part of the Weed control measures using hot water Recycling centre tivity of our residents. This project is based Project ‘Together’. Children from the nearby ber systems to reduce particulate matter Furthermore, brewery This year we started a pilot experiment to on a Japanese television program. Residents primary school help with the maintenance and ammonia emissions, are required on Bavaria is connected reduce chemical control on sports fields. By Sustainability may pitch their sustainable idea in front of this garden. livestock stables and planting is used on to local farmers by its applying alternative fertilizers, soil life will In 2015, the town council decided to pri- of an independent jury, the ‘Dragons’. The farmyards to capture particulates. residual water. During increase and grass growth improve, redu- oritize on sustainability. To do so, solid winner will receive financial support to re- periods of drought, cing weed pressure. funds were created to subsidize new ideas alize his/her sustainable idea. And it works: purified wastewater and initiatives to improve sustainability. already 54 ideas have been submitted! is used for agricul- Our sun rich forests are susceptible to inva- Sustainability is not only about the use of tural activities and to sive species such as wild black cherry and energy resources and environment, but also A sustainable energy supply is one of the maintain the water northern red oak. Despite the costs, local about people and society; and, economy major focus points of our sustainability pro- level in the canal. In control is insufficient. Alternatively, forest and quality of life. It is also about setting gram. Our residents have the opportunity to this way, drought damage to crops is re- development is stimulated and native sha- an example, working together to learn and loan money from the municipality to buy so- duced and groundwater quality preserved. dow tolerant species planted to prevent do- inspire each other. It is not something that lar panels. This loan has a low interest rate This form of residual water use is unique minance of exotic species. Thus, we work only concerns the municipality, but some- and will be paid off within 15 years. Since in the Netherlands. Partly thanks to this together with nature to fight it. thing that concerns all of us. the interest of the loan is lower than the project and exclusion of chemical pestici- current electricity bill, the solar panels will Improving awareness on a vital soil des, brewery Bavaria was awarded most Waste material pay for themselves and save money for the In cooperation with local farmers, brewery sustainable brewery of the world. Farmer, Waste material is collected separately residents. The role of the municipality is to Bavaria and water board Aa & Maas, we Beer, Water is a perfect example of how col- (plastic-metal-carton containers, paper, or- facilitate and support the transition towards developed the project ‘Farmer, Beer, Water’ laboration improves achievements. The role ganic waste and residual waste), or handed Economy renewable energy and limit climate change. focusing on a vital soil. A vital soil leads to of the municipality within this project was in (glass, textile, and other material at the At the project ‘Big Power’ from Foundation a better crop health and contributes to a mainly connecting the different authorities, recycling center). Residual waste is burned Sustainable Laarbeek, solar panels owned robust environment. Additionally, new cul- support procedures and facilitate innovati- Collection of litter by clients of Foundation ORO and the resulting heat is converted into Environment, by residents of Beek en Donk were placed tivation techniques are developed to reduce ons. People steam to generate electricity. Organic was- nature, on the roof of a pig farm. Aside of facilita- the use of pesticides, for instance, by using and society te is composted and used to improve soil raw materials ting sustainable projects, our organization biodegradable bioplastics. These plastics Control of weeds and exotic species quality in municipal parks. Our residents also focusses on sustainability itself. Council are used to reduce weeds, water use and Maintenance of open green spaces and pave- frequently use the waste separation facili- meetings are entirely digital, we print two- manure, by covering the soil. The plastics ment in Beek en Donk is free from chemicals. Green ties, and, therefore, processing the organic sided, separate our waste material and we Connects! Wilhelmina canal 6 Built environment (Obtained from: ‘Enemy Coast Ahead’ by Guy Gibson, 1946) Beek en Donk is strongly associated with the two canals that meet Our new course should have followed a very straight canal, here. The canal ‘Zuid-Willemsvaart’ was built in 1825 and connects which led to a T-shaped junction, and beyond that was the Maastricht with ‘s-Hertogenbosch. This connection led to the industrial Dutch frontier and Germany. All eyes began looking out to age of Beek en Donk. The ’Wilhelmina canal’ was completed a century see if we were right, because we could not afford to be later and connects the Amer canal with the ‘Zuid-Willemsvaart’. The T- wrong. Sure enough, the canal came up slowly from un- shaped junction is an unique picture and played a remarkable historical derneath the starboard wing and we began to follow it role, according to the war report of English pilot Guy Gibson. The junc- carefully, straight above it, for now we were mighty close to , which had the reputation of being very well tion was used as a reference point for the attack on the dams of Möhne defended. Then, after a few minutes, that too had passed and Ederstuw by British bombers. behind and we saw a glint of silvery light straight ahead. This was the canal junction, the second turning point.

History of Beek en Donk the metal industry arose in the 19th cen- In 1300, the Duke of Brabant allowed re- tury due to the establishment of the new Bloed (Holy Blood) are located outside the sidents of “Beek” (‘brook’) to transform his canal. The employment opportunities and center of Beek en Donk. These monuments wet meadows into farmland. An agricultural improved living conditions boosted the po- are true pearls in the open rural area. settlement developed on the hill that con- pulation of Donk. Besides shops and res- nected several sandy roads. The Heuvel- taurants, a private school was built. In 2006, the municipal monument commit- plein (Hill square) is characterized by this tee selected historical buildings, of which authentic historical townscape. The pil- Expansion of both Beek and Donk continued 33 buildings were approved as municipal lory “de Kaak” on this square was used to during the 20th century. The centers grew monument, including ten buildings in Beek denounce people, and was in 2013 rebuilt towards each other, but the lower wet area en Donk. Maintenance of these buildings is by the Heemkundekring. This pillory is part in between the centers remained undevelo- paid through a municipal grant. To protect of the culture-historical trail ‘Law and Or- ped. The Green Lung still separates the two our natural heritage, new constructions and der’. centers and is home to a variety of native renovations in main streets and historically flora and fauna species. valuable areas have to meet the policy re- quirements according to an urban develop- Monuments and policy ment policy. Information about heritage, archeology and landscape structure is open accessible Development with respect for history through the digital heritage map. It consists Cultural heritage is of crucial importance of an overview of the archeological and cul- in all our spatial plans. However, this does turehistorical valuable areas. Beek en Donk not mean that we stand still. Instead, we contains 16 national monuments (14th to use our history as inspiration for develop- 17th century) and over 200 iconic buildings ment plans and combine it with economic (18th century). Maintenance of the buil- Heuvelplein values. We encourage our residents and lo- dings is described in the Action Plan Monu- cal companies to create new initiatives. We Northern of Beek, “Donk” (‘tump’) is situ- ments. This plan specifies the importance of ated. Donk is established on a riverdune maintaining and strengthening the cultural in between the streams Aa and Goorloop. history. The cultural and historically valua- Donk was a small agricultural hamlet until ble estate Eyckenlust and monastery Heilig The pillory “de Kaak” Green Connects! 8 incorporate heritage and cultural history cooler during summer. For the children it by including historic village structures and is even possible to get outdoor classes in prominent places in the main green struc- their learning garden or play at the green ture, but also by imposing requirements on playground. townscape. One example is the construc- tion of business premises between the old factory buildings from the 19th century, alongside the canal ‘Zuid-Willemsvaart’. Within all our construction and nature de- velopment plans, we aim to recover histo- rical landscape structures and protect mo- numental trees.

Green roof of school De Raagten

Industrial heritage along the canal Zuid-Willemsvaart In zoning plans we define construction lo- cations, what can be constructed and under what conditions. All zoning plans contain a list of iconic buildings responsible for the atmosphere of Beek en Donk. These histo- rical buildings have not the quality of mo- numents but are essential for the towns’ character.

A green and sustainable built environment By providing information, we hope to raise willingness among residents to increase sustainability in and around their homes, for instance by installing solar panels. We set the example at municipal facilities: sports park Sparta ’25 is provided with solar pa- nels and LED lighting, whereas the Raag- tenschool has a sustainable sedum green roof. This type of roof reduces heat gain and Historical map Beek en Donk, 1850 retains rainwater. In this way, rooms stay Playground school De Raagten

9 Landscape

Diversity is the keyword when describing the landscape of Beek en Donk. Both the landscape and natural values are highly varied. However, the relationship between the village and the wet area of the streams Goor- loop and Aa is always apparent. These streams form the basis of the landscape and the development of Beek en Donk.

Strengthening and development of the landscape Management and policy of our landscape is described in the Landscape Develop- ment Plan. By creating habitat corridors, we increase visibility and attractiveness of streams for both nature and leisure activi- ties. The area-specific character of different landscape types are strengthened through matching plantings. The presence of green elements provides structure in the lands- Stream the Goorloop cape and accentuates the relation between the town and the rural area. Sandy roads are used as ecological and recreational cor- ridors, whereas lane structures highlight the many roads in Beek en Donk. Addition- Design farmyard in the rural area ally, there are various landscape elements, such as hedgerows, groves and ponds. nature areas, forests and landscape ele- groups. Volunteers are involved in both the ments (ponds and hedgerows), is described implementation and preparation of new Mandatory investment in our landscape in the Landscape Management Plan. Ma- management plans. A new aspect of lands- For each construction plan in the rural nagement measures are aimed to increase cape management is ‘social return’. People area, measures have to be taken to im- natural, recreational and/or culture-histori- with disadvantage in the labor market will prove landscape quality. Twenty percent of cal values. Ecological managed grasslands be involved to give them the opportunity to the value increase of the land has to be Stream valley of the Goorloop are mowed once or twice a year, and the develop certain skills. invested in improvement measures. These clippings are removed. Control on dange- measures are mostly integrated in the con- rous dead wood of hedgerows, groves and struction plan, like yard planting. In case of lanes is performed every three years, and large investments, the money goes to the thinning/pruning is applied every 10 years. municipal Landscape Fund to pay for im- Ecological managed sandy roads, berms plementation of measures according to the and natural riverbanks are mowed (every Structural Vision, for instance the habitat two years) and pruned (every six years) in corridor alongside the Goorloop. phases, with cuttings removed. Ponds are cleaned/dredged once every then years. Landscape management Maintenance of all municipal berms, ditches, An important aspect of landscape ma- Green nagement is participation of green interest Hedgerow landscape near De Biezen Connects! Our green vision 12 Open green spaces ‘Health Race’ that consists of various acti- Natural playgrounds vities to raise awareness and encourage a Besides the traditional equipped play- Beek en Donk is known as ‘garden village’ due to the Green Lung with healthy lifestyle. It organizes recreational grounds, other (green) spaces are also activities in open green spaces, like Nordic suitable to play in. In recent years, we esta- its Music Garden. This 12-hectare green area is bordered by the Goor- walking, boot camp in the Music Garden, blished natural playgrounds in cooperation loop in the west the canal ‘Zuid-Willemsvaart’ in the east, connecting to outdoor tai chi workshops and weekly wal- with neighbourhood associations. These estate Eyckenlust. In the Green Lung, you have the feeling that you walk king groups. This is an unique residential educational areas offer the opportunity initiative, that won several national prizes for children to discover and play together. in a nature reserve. However, by walking only 50 meters to the left or and inpires other municipalities. Height differences and elements like sand, the right you are back in the village. This makes the green structure of water, tree trunks and pebbles trigger Beek en Donk unique. children to use their imagination and create their own game. By playing in and with their natural environment, children learn to ap- preciate it. In the Green Lung adventure park. It is even possible for peo- The original centers Beek and Donk are se- ple with a disability to take part of the sur- parated by a wet area, which was too wet to vival trail of Outdoor Laarbeek. allow any construction activities. Paradoxi- cally, this ‘worthless area’ is now the most In the Masterplan of 2007, the Green Lung valuable green area of Beek en Donk. The was described as a bead cord with diffe-

Green Lung has a high recreational use and rent characteristic beads. Thanks to vari- Boot camp in the Music Garden many initiatives started here. It all began ous measures, this plan has gradually been Masterplan 2007 in 1920 with the construction of the Music implemented. The streams, the trails and Garden by the local Music Group and was the habitat corridor that connects Goor- Goorloop as a green-blue border followed by an outdoor swimming pool, loop with estate Eyckenlust form the cord Along the stream Goorloop, a spacious zone educational birdwatching trail, animal park between these beads. was created where green and nature play and trim trail, and most recently a gym and an important role. Nature development is combined with retention of rainwater from the neighboring residential areas. Low level recreational use is facilitated, however, the ecological aspect of this area has the pri- ority. This zone is connected to the Green Lung and the habitat corridor Voorbeemd Terrace at pavilion in the Music Garden (connecting the Goorloop with the canal ‘Zuid-Willemsvaart’ in the north. The last missing green links along the Goorloop will be completed this year. This will result in a green-blue border of three kilometers long, that forms the gradual transition between the village and the rural landscape.

Sport and health Open green spaces are also closely related Natural playground Laarsche Velden to sport and health. We encourage sport and an active and healthy lifestyle as much Music concert in the kiosk in the Music Garden as possible. For instance, we facilitated the Green Connects! Survival trail for people with disabilities Our green vision 14 The Partridge as ambassador of biodiversity Thematic Prize: Biodiversity Landschap or by deliberately doing nothing, Measuring means knowing: Monitoring A few year ago, the municipality selected the we have increased the ecological value of natural development partridge as an ambassador species of biodi- these dirt roads. To measure the effectivity of our effort, we versity, as was suggested by IVN Laarbeek. The Thanks to the quality of our green areas and motivated volunteer orga- work according our Monitoring Plan. Once partridge is stated as a vulnerable species on nizations, we are able to improve biodiversity. Unique locations, like the Habitat corridors to support dispersal of every six years, an additional ecological the Red List and symbolizes the decline of pas- Green Lung, the habitat corridors near the Goorloop and estate Eycken- species monitoring is performed as part of the na- ture bird species in the Netherlands. We try to tional Subsidy System Nature and Lands- stop this decline by implementation of measu- lust, provide excellent conditions for a variety of flora and fauna spe- cape. With professional support on request, res, focused on sandy roads, hedgerows and flo- cies. Through measures and maintenance, we are able to improve these monitoring activities are carried out com- wery field margins. In cooperation with IVN Bird conditions. Volunteers have monitored the effectivity of these measures, pletely by volunteer organizations IVN Laar- Group and Laarbeeks Landschap, we established beek (190 volunteers) and Laarbeeks Land- three partridge fields. The partridge is still fairly and how they improve biodiversity. schap (100 volunteers), The IVN Bird Group, present in Beek en Donk. The designation of IVN Water Group, IVN Plant Group and the ambassador species, thus, has led to concrete Bird Protection Group, voluntarily monitor volunteer organizations to improve bio- actions. Biodiversity in the Green Lung and share their data with the municipality. The Green Lung harbors a high biodiver- diversity. The Biodiversity Meter provides sity, with more than 200 native plant spe- information about measures to improve

cies and about 50 species of birds. The IVN biodiversity in private gardens, like place- Habitat corridor along the Goorloop Bird Group has created a birdwatching trail ment of bird and bat boxes, and in open through the Green Lung, with information green spaces, such as embellishing additi- To enhance biodiversity and connect exis- about bird species that can be seen. Besides onal green areas with flower rich planting. ting nature areas, habitat corridors were the striking colony of rooks, dozens of nest In this way, the project also promotes social established. One of these corridors is lo- boxes are present. In one of those boxes a cohesion in the neighborhood. cated along the stream Goorloop. Over rare forest owl is breeding. A kingfisher wall the past few years, the municipality has is established as well as a couple of flowery Sandy roads, berms and ditches: Small purchased over 10 hectares of land to im- field margins which support butterflies and ecological paradises prove the ecological value of this area with ponds, flowery grasslands and hedgerows. insects. The rural area of Beek en Donk contains ki- Monitoring by volunteers of IVN lometers of sandy roads. Besides the recrea- This has resulted in an important habitat The data is stored centrally in the National tional value for hikers, cyclists and horseback for various species of amphibians, fish, but- Biodiversity Meter Database Flora and Fauna (NDFF). One of riders, these roads and their berms have a terflies and birds. the highlights for both the volunteers and high ecological value. Although their limited the municipality was to find the European size, they form valuable patches within the weatherfish in the Goorloop, which indi- intensive agricultural landscape for many cates improvement of water quality. Addi- species of birds, insects and small mam- tionally, the number of partridges has in- mals. Through mowing and removing the creased from 43 to 67 last year. Results like cuttings, planting hedgerows by Laarbeeks these make worth the effort.

Biodiversity Meter Great crested Newt The Biodiversity Meter was developed in response to the biodiversity decline in the Netherlands. By showing the state of bio- diversity, this meter raises awareness of biodiversity and stimulates collaboration between residents, schools, companies and thematic Sandy roads: ecological paradises in the agricultural landscape prize 16 Planting - Permanent and/or season These areas are decorated with flowering planting, as part of our policy to increase Beek en Donk uses a wide variety of plant species. The main green variation in our open green spaces. More variation means a higher biodiversity and structure, consisting of parks, municipal plantings and side roads, de- a varied image. Since 2015, several green termines the atmosphere and character of the village, which is reflected areas have been redesigned and perennials by the quality and amount of plantings. More than 600 species of trees, were reintroduced. shrubs and plants are used in the open green spaces. This variety of Seasonal planting species comes with a variety of flowering periods and color spectrum of In early spring, open green spaces are co- both flowers and leafs. loured by the many flower bulbs that are planted along the main green structure and prominent places. From May to October, hanging baskets with annual plants colour Tree management takes place. Pruning of younger trees oc- the centers of Beek en Donk. These colours About 10,000 municipal trees of 130 spe- curs once every three years to support contribute to the livability of the village. cies are planted in Beek en Donk, and a their growth. Often trees are replaced, but Seasonal planting is partly provided by the couple of thousand trees in private gardens. in 2018 an official Tree Replacement Plan organizations and shopkeepers in the cen- The Tree Policy Plan was defined in 2013, will be developed describing the policy re- ter. Agricultural organizations collaborate describing how to deal with hazardous trees, quirements in case of replacement. During with Laarbeeks Landschap to establish flo- construction nearby trees and management planting of trees, we take into account the Monumental tulip tree (Liriodendron) wery field margins, covering about seven hectares yearly. The municipality subsidizes of trees. Once every three years, trees are growth space available both belowground spaces by combining deciduous and ever- projects that improves biodiversity in agri- visually inspected according VTA (Visual and aboveground, to ensure sustainable green species. In the main green structure cultural fields through Stimulation Green- Tree Assessment). Trees near busy locations tree growth. We prefer quality above quan- we limit species variation to preserve its Blue Services (STIKA). Finally, residents and older trees are annually or biennially tity, therefore, we improve growth conditi- structure, whereas we use distinct planting bring colour in the streets through the de- checked. Based on these controls, pruning ons for trees in the main green structure, to accentuate prominent places. through the use of special substrates like sign of their own gardens. special growth enhancing soil. Accentuating prominent places and vil- lage entrances Protection of valuable trees According to the Green Policy Plan, ma- All valuable trees and green structures are nagement of open green spaces in the rural digitally mapped on our Green Map. Remo- area is becoming more ecological, whereas val of these trees is not allowed without we accentuate prominent places both in municipal permission. Aside of these regu- terms of townscape and maintenance. lations, we provide financial support to pri- vate owners of valuable trees we also offer free VTA controls, advice and collection of

pruning wood. Sowing of flowery field margins by volunteers

Shrubs, hedgerows and ground cover Along the public roads, many shrubs, hedgerows and ground cover are planted. By covering the ground as quick as pos- sible we reduce weed pressure. We try to increase diversity within our open green Green Pruning of trees Reintroduction of perennials Connects! De Social Sofa staat symbool voor onze burgerinitiatieven 18 Environmental education focused on teaching tree ecology to children tle’ focused on designing a climate-resistant and inform them how they can contribute to and biodiverse front yard. This encourages Awareness of the importance of our green environment starts with a green, liveable and sustainable world. In residents to take measures in their gardens the morning, the children start with a ‘tree that contribute to biodiversity. The four best education. Our partner IVN Laarbeek provides many courses for both course’ in the IVN clubhouse. This course is designs were implemented with financial members and non-members. From a tree course to a course on lands- focused on the growth requirements of a support of the municipality. Through infor- cape reading and from a course on fruit tree pruning to a biodiversity tree and followed by a couple of practical mation and public-oriented activities like assignments, such as trying to encircle the these, residents become aware of the ne- course, they provide it all. Many students that followed the course on thick trunk of the monumental willow to- gative effects of pavement. fruit tree pruning, now participate in the Pruning Group of Laarbeeks gether. Eventually the children will plant a Landschap. Local nature areas are promoted through the IVN cycling tree of a species chosen by the school and donated by the municipality. and hiking trails, and the educational birdwatching trail in the Green Lung. The municipality facilitates IVN with additional professional know- ledge on request and financial resources.

Environmental activities In addition to the many courses, IVN Laar- beek organizes monthly nature walks and Educational garden of IVN various lectures in their clubhouse De Bimd. They publish every week in the local newspaper and have their own magazine. Boomfeestdag (Tree festival) Near their clubhouse an educational eco- Operation Breaking Stones garden is established, that improves every In autumn 2016, we started the project year thanks to the enthusiastic IVN Garden ‘Tile out, Plant in’ in collaboration with local Group. The IVN Kids Club is also enormously green entrepreneurs. Approximately 7,500 popular. They even had to limit the number ‘Kikkerconcert’ (Frog Concert) kg of tiles were handed in and exchanged to of members to 60 children. However, IVN an open air festival on the first Sunday of over 1,800 plants. After this successful acti- organizes several educational activities for June. This ‘Kikkerconcert’ (Frog Concert) vity, the municipality joined the national ini- children, like children’s parties and events. provides many activities for children, like tiative ‘Operation Breaking Stones’. This ini- This attracts 500 to 600 children annually. fishing for aquatic animals under supervi- tiative focuses on greener, more biodiverse sion of IVN volunteers, while their parents and climate-proof private gardens. Further- Since 2009, the garden is transformed into simply enjoy the music and the croak of more, we initiated the ‘Laarbeek Green Bat- frogs. Additionally, it is possible to walk the trail ‘Around De Bimd’.

Boomfeestdag (Tree festival): learn and do For years we organized the tree planting week with elementary schools. However, the educational value of just planting a ‘Kikkerconcert’ (Frog Concert) tree or shrubs is too limited. That is why we developed a new concept in collabora- tion with IVN Laarbeek. This new concept is Green Educational garden of IVN Tiles were handed in and exchanged for plants Connects! Our green vision 20 Effort and involvement management plans are defined. The plans include target conditions, required measu- Our residents are always our starting and end point, since all our work res and an estimated budget to implement these measures. The importance of volun- contributes to the livebility of their environment. Communication is teers within our management is unique. therefore more than just explaining developments and changes in open Nature volunteer organizations conduct the green spaces. It is also listening and meeting the local needs, but at the maintenance measures on ponds, groves, hedgerows, willows and fruit trees. Additi- same time indicating the possibilities and invite residents to contribute onally, Laarbeeks Landschap takes care of themselves. various recreational trails and helps with the establishment of annual flowery field margins. Solidarity vironment and improved cohesion and Beek en Donk is home to initiative-rich livebility in the neighbourhood. We have Collecting litter people and tight-knit communities. This defined a couple of preconditions, but wit- Every year we participate in the national thriving community life plays a significant hin this framework everything is possible. ‘Cleanup Day’. On this day, residents and role in the livability of the village. Within Initiatives are supervised by a municipal various volunteer organizations, including Beek en Donk a strong social cohesion is employee, who is the permanent supervisor IVN Laarbeek and Scout Association, help us apparent, leading to social involvement and and has the capacity to make decisions with with collecting litter. We facilitate this event caretaking of each other. This is reflected the initiators. Due to our way of thinking by providing trash bags and by collecting by the large amount of active volunteers in (“yes, please!”), initiatives are expanding, and disposing waste afterwards. We do this Beek en Donk. Both ‘2014-2018 College but sometimes projects delay or get stuck year round to support initiatives to clean up Program’ and ‘Future Vision Laarbeek 2020’ due to our open-ended attitude. However, the neighbourhood. strongly focus on this solidarity. Within together we will find a solution and make these programs, we mainly facilitate, sup- it happen! port and guide the energy and knowledge of the society, instead of defining policies Management plans: that limit the possibilities. We are currently the major role of volunteers in the middle of the switch from director to facilitator, also regarding the management of open green spaces.

Initiatives of residents

We stimulate residential involvement, since Collecting litter on Clean-up Day this leads to awareness of their living en-

Pruning of fruit trees by volunteers

Management and maintenance of nature areas and our landscape is planned syste- matically. For all nature areas, habitat cor- ridors, berms and ditches, landscape ele- ments and the 180 hectares of forest areas, Green Hanging baskets funded by shopkeepers Connects! Our green vision 22 Tourism and/or leisure Recreational activities tiative 10 years ago, but transformed into an internationally operating company. Ap- Beek en Donk is located nearby the cities and Eindhoven and, proximately 200 artist of more than twenty different countries perform during this therefore, attracts people who seek the peacefulness and quietness of event, which draws over 60,000 visitors the rural area, but want to stay close to the benefits of the city. The annually. More than 1,000 volunteers and pleasant atmosphere and the rich community life support the livebility 100 local organizations are involved within this event. About € 150,000 of the profit is of Beek en Donk. Recreational activities within and around Beek en partly invested into local projects and chari- Donk are mainly focused on our residents and residents of the re- ties. During the annually ‘Forward Doe Dag’ gion De Peel. All information regarding the attractions, restaurants and (Forward Do Day), volunteers of WiSH assist local associations and neighborhoods. events is available at the Tourist Information Centre (VVV i-punt) in Walking in open green spaces Beek en Donk. One of the strengths of Beek en Donk is Pop-up restaurant the facilitation of recreational use, which is In 2016, the first edition of the pop-up res- one of our main focus points. It is all based taurant ‘LOS: op ‘t Veld’ (Tasteful Laarbeek: on a robust network of both walking and in the Field) was located at the organic farm Waterport of the Peel ‘recovery and visibility Blue Crane’, ‘Water cycling trails. Together with volunteers we De Janmiekeshoeve. After this successful Since 2008, we position ourselves as ‘Wa- boulevard of the Peel’ (Developmental vi- maintain this network. We are aware that try-out, the second edition of this tempora- terport of the Peel’. Water has formed Beek sion northern part canal ‘Zuid-Willems- a diverse green environment improves the ry restaurant was held near the canal junc- en Donk to what it is today and is still of vaart’), ‘June Water Month’, ‘ History of recreational quality and therefore we faci- tion. During eleven days, delicious dishes crucial importance for both economical and Canals in the picture’, ‘Waterport Bike Trail’ litate natural playgrounds, trim trails and made of solely local products are served. social aspects, since it is the major compo- and ‘Watermark Waterport of the Peel’. outdoor events. In addition to the facilities nent of our beers, helps transporting our provided, a wide range of day activities is products, and is the basis of all kinds of re- Accommodation available in Beek en Donk. It is for instance creational activities, tourism and our health. The number of accommodation possibilities possible to visit local companies (e.g. bre- What is often experienced as ‘ordinary’ is in Beek en Donk is increasing, partly due wery Bavaria and bell foundry) and a range actually very special. The vision ‘Laarbeek, to allowance of accommodation facilities in of culture-historical and educational places, Waterport of the Peel’ states that water is both the center and the rural area according such as the trails along the canal and water the starting point for policy development to our Bed & Breakfast Policy. We welcome retention area ‘Blue Port’ in the near future. and initiation of projects. This is partly ini- innovative plans that link to existing accom- tiated by the municipality itself, but also by modation facilities, but provide new expe- Festival WiSH Outdoor encouraging residents, associations, com- riences. Accommodation possibilities range During the first weekend of July, the three- from staying at the former farm Brabantse panies and organizations, which has resul- day festival ‘WiSH Outdoor’ returns to Beek Pop-up restaurant ted in many projects: ‘Farmer, Beer, Water’, Kluis of the missionary monastery Heilig en Donk. This festival started as a local ini- Bloed, sleeping at a tomato breeder (B&B The Tomato) or at a farm (B&B Vogelshof), and docking your boat at the port, up to three days free of charge. It is even possible to camp at the campsite of Farm ‘t Herten- kamp or eco-tourist farm De Biezen, which promotes biodiversity through ecological management and establishment of flowery field margins. Peace, space and nature are the key experiences. Green Transport using the canals Festival WiSH Oudtdoor Connects! Our green vision 24 InhoudReferences

Future Vision Laarbeek 2013 Structure Vision Laarbeek 2010 Green Policy and Green Master Plan Laarbeek 2011 Tree Policy Plan Laarbeek 2013 Landscape Development Plan Laarbeek 2003 Regional Landscape Development Plan De Peel 2007 Policy Plan Berms and Ditches 2010 Monitoring Plan 2010 Landscape Investment Policy 2017 Vision ‘Laarbeek, Waterport of the Peel’ 2007 Policy Plan Tourism and Leisure Laarbeek 2009 Catalogue Culture-Historical Inventory Heritage Map Municipality Laarbeek 2012 Social Assistance Act Policy Plan 2015 Framework Health Race Laarbeek 2.0, 2016 Bed and Breakfast Policy (2012 & 2015) Flyer Biodiversity in Laarbeek 2010 Maintenance Plan Municipal Forests Laarbeek 2016 Maintenance Plan Nature Areas 2016 Maintenance Plan New Nature Areas Laarbeek 2016 Maintenance Plan Landscape Elements 2016

Digital Heritage Map Laarbeek: https://atlas.odzob.nl/erfgoed/

Digital Green Map Laarbeek: http://laarbeek.cobra360.nl/index.php?groenekaart

Digital Zoning Plans: http://www.ruimtelijkeplannen.nl Photos: IVN Laarbeek & Municipality Laarbeek Green Connects! 26