Attract swallows, hedgehogs, and sparrows with ErvenPlus

Following previous successful editions, residents of Brabant can once again participate in ErvenPlus 5.0. In Nuenen, Gerwen, and Nederwetten as well, owners of yards located outside built-up areas can receive free advice, plants, and other materials to make their yards greener. Together with an advisor, you’ll draw up a plan for a yard where species such as the house sparrow, barn swallow, and hedgehog feel at home. ErvenPlus is organized by Brabants Landschap in collaboration with the consulting firm Orbis and local nature organizations.

A bonus in the yard

With ErvenPlus, farmers and private individuals can transform their yards in the rural areas of Nuenen, Gerwen, and Nederwetten into habitats for species that live in yards. While many people are familiar with the house sparrow, other species—including hedgehogs, kestrels, little owls, and house martins—also benefit from the opportunities created by the project. Some yards are already quite green, so installing a nest box is sufficient, while others may require, for example, standard fruit trees, herb-rich grasslands, and hedges to add that extra touch to the yard. A home consultant—also known as a “yard scanner”—works with the participant to determine which options are appropriate and desirable.

Fun for People and Animals

In recent years, many farmyards have been paved over, or plants have been replaced by closely mowed lawns. As a result, species that inhabit farmyards are losing their habitat and their populations are declining. Species such as the little owl, barn swallow, and kestrel depend on farmyards and the surrounding farmland. In a green yard, they find food, nesting sites, and hiding places. For example, birds like to perch among the branches of a hedge or tree, swallows build their nests from mud found nearby, and hedgehogs forage among the herb-rich grass. A green yard is not only good for biodiversity but also for your own enjoyment. 

ErvenPlus raises awareness about the decline of species that inhabit farmyards and enables participants to work together to reverse this trend.

How do you participate?

Do you live in the outlying areas of Nuenen, Gerwen, and Nederwetten and have a yard? If so, sign up at brabantslandschap.nl/ervenplus. We’ll assess whether your yard qualifies. If it does, we’ll schedule a “yard scan.” A specially trained advisor will visit your home to work with you on developing a plan. The selected plants and other materials will then be delivered to your home. 

Is there anything outside the yard, too?

The goal of ErvenPlus5.0 is to make at least 500 farmyards more “biodiverse” in the coming years. But in addition, we are actively exploring whether there are opportunities for nature or landscape development beyond the farmyard itself. Examples include herb-rich field edges, nature-friendly riverbanks, or mixed hedgerows. Other programs exist for this purpose, such as the Landscape Incentive Program. Discover more options for greening your farmyard and surrounding land atwww.groenloketbrabant.nl. 

By contributing to the ErvenPlus project, our municipality is helping to create a more beautiful and livable rural environment. ErvenPlus is a project of Brabants Landschap, the consulting firm Orbis, and local nature organizations. The province of North Brabant, the Postcode Lottery, and the 27 participating municipalities in Brabant are making the project possible through their financial contributions.