Helping Animals and Plants

Give nature some space 

Animals and plants are important for a healthy living environment. Bees and butterflies pollinate flowers and plants. Birds, bats, and hedgehogs help control insect and snail populations. Yet more and more animals are disappearing from residential areas. This is due, in part, to paved-over gardens, a lack of green spaces, and the loss of nesting and hiding places.

Climate change and the use of pesticides also affect nature. That’s why it’s important to make room for plants and animals. It doesn’t have to be complicated. By adding more greenery, using fewer pavers, and providing natural hiding spots, you can quickly help animals thrive.

A green garden attracts more birds, butterflies, bees, and other animals. This way, you contribute to greater biodiversity: different species of plants and animals that together ensure a healthy natural environment.

What can I do do?

Making Your Garden Greener

A green garden provides animals with food, water, and shelter.

• Replace tiles with plants, shrubs, and flowers
• Health hiding spots with bushes, leaves, or a cluttered corner
• Set up a pond or water dish for birds, insects, and amphibians
• Leave leaves and plants that have finished blooming where they are during the winter
• Do not use pesticides or slug poison. They make hedgehogs sick.
   

Helping Birds

Birds look for food, water, and safe places to nest.

• Plant dense or thorny shrubs such as firethorn or hawthorn
• Let climbing plants grow up a fence or wall. Birds like to take shelter and nest among the plants
• Hang birdhouses in a quiet spot that's hard for cats to reach
• Place a water dish or birdbath in a safe spot
• Plant trees or shrubs that bear berries or fruit

Bees and butterflies help

Bees, butterflies, and other insects are important to flowers and plants.

• Choose plants that produce nectar and bloom throughout the year
• Use organic plants and flower bulbs that are free of pesticides
• Hang a bee hotel in a sunny spot
• Leave plants and stems that have finished blooming in place during the winter to provide shelter for insects
• Choose plants that occur naturally in the Netherlands

Helping Bats and Hedgehogs

Bats eat insects, and hedgehogs help control snail populations.

• Limit lighting in your garden and turn off the lights at night. Bats don't like bright light.
• Health Plenty of Greenery and Insects in Your Garden
• Hang a bat house on a building facade or tree
• Make a hedgehog house or a messy corner to serve as a hideout
• Health an opening in the fence so hedgehogs can get into your yard

Preventing Invasive Alien Species

Some plants and animals spread quickly and cause damage to the natural environment. Here’s how to prevent their spread:

• Always dispose of plant waste from your garden, pond, or aquarium in the green waste bin
• Never release animals or plants into the wild
• Check new plants in advance for potential risks to nature and the environment

Area-Specific Exemption for Environmentally Friendly Insulation

When insulating, be mindful of protected animals such as bats, house sparrows, and swifts. If necessary, take advantage of the area-specific exemption.

Residents, homeowners' associations, and developers in Hellevoetsluis, Oudenhoorn, and Nieuwenhoorn can take advantage of this program for insulation or renovation projects.

Do you live outside these areas? If so, you must check for yourself whether there are any protected animals in the area before you begin insulation work.