The story of...
Stories from our Green Ambassadors
The story of Green Ambassador Hannek
In the Landstreken neighbourhood, Green Ambassador Hannek adopted a piece of public green together with local residents. Hannek is now entering the fifth season with his adopted piece of green space. This required permission from the closest neighbours around the field. As a result, the neighbours occasionally help when digging, mowing or raking is needed. Hannek takes into account the wishes of different neighbours: "Some don't want the vegetation too high, others don't want a tree in sight. And the fishermen want enough grass at the water's edge to be able to fish. Every year it is a surprise what does or does not come up and it keeps experimenting with sowing times, mowing and types of flower mixtures. With the varied vegetation, a duck basket, bat box, insect hotel and nesting boxes, this green space has become more insect-friendly in any case." Besides being busy in nature, 'his' piece of adopted green space also leads to more contact with neighbours and Hannek gets enthusiastic reactions from passers-by.
The story of Green Ambassador Lambert
If you drive or cycle through Lelystad, you’ll occasionally spot a patch of public green space that looks a bit different. It usually has a small green sign in it reading ‘This neighbourhood green space has been adopted’. On Kustendreef, alongside the Gors, such a green sign has also been in place for a few months now. If all goes well, this stretch of verge will slowly but surely be transformed into an insect-friendly flowering strip. Green Ambassador Lambert has adopted this strip because he was looking to expand the nectar and pollen sources for the bee colonies in his garden. Lambert approached the council to ask if he could take over responsibility for managing the area to make it more flower-rich and insect-friendly. This turned out to be surprisingly easy to arrange. After signing the adoption agreement – in which he undertook the maintenance obligations, including the conditions that must be met – the local council stopped its regular mowing. Now it’s up to Lambert. The blackberry bushes and nettles have largely been removed, and he has since sown nectar-rich seeds and regional seed mixes. “What’s so nice,” says Lambert, “is that when you’re doing this sort of work, you get enthusiastic reactions from local residents. Dog owners and walkers stop for a chat; they’re curious, sometimes offer suggestions or bring along plants.”
The story of Green Ambassador Gert
Gert, a resident of Lelystad, has been committed to nature in Lelystad for many years. At his ‘Bij De Ooievaar’ Experience and Activity Garden, you can enjoy the greenery and get active in the fresh air. Together with the local council, Gert has turned this patch of greenery into a place where both nature and people are given space. “I signed up as a Green Ambassador because I’d like to share the experiences we’ve gained from this project – which has now been running for 10 years – with people who are just starting out,” says Gert. “To others, I’d say: Look around to see if there are any existing initiatives and get involved!”
The story of Green Ambassador Jim
Jim has a lot of experience with green roofs. On his home in Warande, he has installed not one, but two roof gardens. He knows all about their benefits, construction and maintenance.
A green roof is a kind of garden on a building. Think of your shed, garage or the flat roof of your house. Jim even organised an information evening for local residents.
Do you have any questions about green roofs? Jim will be happy to help! You can reach him via idea broker Ineke.
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