Biodiversity Plan 2025–2035 for the Municipality of Nuenen

Foreword

Have you heard of the game Jenga? If you remove the wrong block in this game, the whole tower collapses. Recently, it has become clear that the block representing biodiversity is in danger of falling further and further from the tower.

The insect population has declined by 75% over the past 25 years. It’s nice that you don’t have to clean your car windows as often, but the plants—which rely on insects for pollination to survive—are at risk of disappearing. In addition, insects are often the primary food source for many small birds and animals, such as hedgehogs and frogs. If their numbers decline, larger mammals and birds of prey will also struggle to raise their young. But our agriculture also depends on pollination by insects, because an apple or a tomato doesn’t grow on its own.

Plants and animals also make use of our living environment. Swifts have traded their natural cliffs for our homes as nesting sites, and hedges we’ve planted serve as shelters for hedgehogs. If we take this into account when choosing plants for our gardens, we can even provide a home for even more species.

As a resident, you enjoy living in a beautiful village surrounded by nature. To keep it that way and to adapt to climate change, we must commit to protecting, preserving, restoring, and developing the natural environment in our community. A green environment contributes to a healthy and happy life, and ensures that businesses are eager to establish themselves in our region. The greenery provides peace and relaxation for you as a resident and, by extension, for the employees of our businesses.

Let’s work together to strengthen and reinforce the “biodiversity” block in Nuenen’s Jenga game so that our green living environment doesn’t collapse.

Sandor Löwik
Alderman forAlderman , Social Housing, and Mobility

Summary

The biodiversity plan of the municipality of Nuenen, Gerwen, and Nederwetten (hereinafter referred to as the municipality of Nuenen) aims to increase biodiversity within the municipality and create a healthy, resilient living environment for its residents. This plan stems from the Green Management Plan 2020–2026, in which biodiversity is a central pillar. In addition, Nuenen’s Environmental Vision emphasizes the preservation and enhancement of the rich natural environment, with a focus on biodiversity, climate adaptation, cultural history, and recreation. This plan provides a detailed elaboration of this vision for the next ten years, with concrete goals and steps.

Why Biodiversity Matters
The need for this plan stems from the rapid decline in biodiversity, a global and national phenomenon that is also clearly evident in Nuenen. Factors such as urbanization, desertification, and the emergence of invasive species have placed the diversity of plants, animals, and ecosystems under severe pressure. This has consequences not only for nature but also for the health, safety, and livability of the municipality.

With this plan, Nuenen is shaping a future in which biodiversity is an integral part of the living environment. The plan focuses on protecting, restoring, and strengthening five characteristic landscape types: stream valleys, reclaimed marshlands, young reclaimed lands, farmsteads and settlements, and villages and town centers (including industrial parks). Each landscape type receives specific attention to both preserve ecologically valuable areas and make them accessible for (small-scale) recreation and residents.

Vision

1. Biodiversity is important in its own right and is important to people:
   - for ecosystem services and economic development,
   - for health, well-being, quality of life, and recreation.
2. Biodiversity is declining and must therefore be protected, restored, and strengthened.
3. Nuenen aims to preserve its village-like and green character and serves as a green lung in the urban region.

Ambition 

The Municipality of Nuenen aims to make biodiversity a central pillar of
municipal policy. In general, we strive to:

1. Working together to restore, enhance, and connect existing natural areas.
2. Toward a resilient ecosystem in urban and rural areas.
3. Raise awareness and build support.
4. Biodiversity as a central pillar of planning and management.

As a municipality, we don’t have the same level of influence in every area. We therefore focus on public spaces and properties we own. When it comes to third-party properties, we seek to collaborate in order to increase biodiversity. This can be done, for example, by providing grants or participating in local planning processes, but sometimes all we can do is inform third parties in the hope that they will take action.

Measures

The biodiversity plan outlines specific measures that will be implemented in phases. These include, among other things:

• Ecological management of public green spaces, where possible, through phased mowing of road shoulders, embankments, and lawns.
• Promoting nature-inclusive measures in new construction and redevelopment projects, and greening villages and town centers through the efforts of the municipality, partners, and residents.
• Restoration of the natural water system.
• Creation and management of ecological corridors by connecting existing green spaces through corridors.
• Transitioning from coniferous forests to nature-based forest management in order to create mixed forests.

Cooperation and monitoring

A key component of the plan is collaboration with residents, farmers,
volunteers, businesses, and land managers. The plan emphasizes active participation and provides opportunities for community-driven initiatives.

In addition, the plan’s progress is monitored periodically so that the effectiveness of measures can be assessed in a timely manner and adjustments made as needed.

Table of Contents  

Chapter 1: Introduction 

1.1 The Importance of Biodiversity
1.2 Now or Never
1.3 Basis for the Biodiversity Plan
1.4 Vision for Biodiversity
1.5 How to Use This Biodiversity Plan    

Chapter 2: Overview of Vision and Goals    

2.1 Growing Together in a Green and Livable Nuenen
2.2 Policy Framework
2.3 Ambitions, Strategy, and Measures
2.4 Goals for 2035
2.5 Target Species    

Chapter 3: Strategy    

3.1 What we are already doing and will continue to do
3.2 What else we plan to do
3.3 Collaboration
3.3.1 Residents
3.3.2 Agricultural businesses
3.3.3 Small and large businesses
3.3.4 Partners

Chapter 4: Area Description and Measures

4.1 Landscape Types
4.2 Stream Valley
4.3 Reclaimed Marshes
4.4 Newly Reclaimed Land
4.5 Farms and Settlements
4.6 Villages and Towns

Chapter 5: Monitoring and Evaluation

5.1 Monitoring Progress
5.2 Evaluation and Adjustment

Sources

Chapter 1: Introduction

1.1 The Importance of Biodiversity

Biodiversity is a topic that is receiving increasing attention, including in the municipality of Nuenen. The term refers to the variety of species, genetic material, and ecosystems on Earth. Worldwide, there are an estimated ten million species, of which approximately forty thousand are found in the Netherlands, ranging from fungi and plants to mammals, including humans. Within each species, genetic variation is essential for the ability to adapt to changing conditions. Different species live in harmony with their environment, and the collection of species in an area with similar characteristics is called an ecosystem.

Biodiversity is essential for creating and maintaining stable, resilient ecosystems and, consequently, for a healthy living environment. Stable ecosystems are better able to provide valuable ecosystem services such as fertile soils, crop pollination, and pest control. In addition, they help mitigate the effects of climate change, including heat stress, drought, or flooding. A biodiverse living environment contributes to the mental and physical health of our residents, for example by filtering particulate matter from the air. Furthermore, high biodiversity has a positive impact on the recreational value of nature and the landscape. This encourages people to go outside, be active, and socialize, meaning that biodiversity also makes a significant contribution to recreation and the overarching theme of health in the Environmental Vision. 

1.2 Now or never

Biodiversity is declining at a rapid pace, a trend that began decades ago. The situation for many species is now critical; they are disappearing from the landscape or even from our planet altogether. It is therefore now or never to reverse this trend. We can do this by changing our behavior and actively protecting and restoring nature. The biodiversity plan was drawn up out of this sense of urgency and serves as a building block for programs yet to be developed under the Omgevingswet. This ensures that the results of biodiversity policy have a lasting effect, giving nature the time it needs to recover and thrive.

Land-use changes, such as urbanization and the associated infrastructure, fragment habitats, making it harder for species to migrate and limiting genetic exchange. This increases the risk of local species extinction. The urgency of taking action cannot be overstated: if we do not protect and restore biodiversity, not only are Nuenen’s natural areas at stake, but also the well-being of our own community. By firmly embedding biodiversity in municipal policy, Nuenen is committed to preserving and strengthening the unique natural environment in our municipality. This biodiversity plan is an essential step toward realizing this ambition.

Just as on a global scale and elsewhere in the Netherlands, biodiversity is under pressure in Nuenen as well. Factors such as climate change, drought, eutrophication, and urbanization threaten a large number of species and ecosystems—and thus the resilience of nature. The consequences are not only disastrous for the region’s flora and fauna, but also pose a direct threat to humans themselves. When ecosystems fail—for example, due to the drying up of wetlands or the loss of native plants—their capacity to provide the aforementioned ecosystem services is reduced. This can lead to food shortages, water (quality) problems, and even health risks due to pollution and the spread of diseases.

1.3 Basis for the Biodiversity Plan

The Nuenen Environmental Vision emphasizes the preservation and enhancement of nature and the landscape, with a special focus on increasing biodiversity, climate adaptation, cultural heritage, and recreation. In the 2020–2026 Green Space Management Plan, the municipality outlines its vision for green space management, with biodiversity as one of its central pillars. The goal is to promote biodiversity—in part through a transition from intensive to extensive management—and thereby restore balance to the ecosystem.

The city council has commissioned the development of a specific biodiversity plan to establish a strategy for increasing biodiversity over the next ten years and to ensure that financial resources can be set aside for this purpose. This plan includes a separate implementation program. There is also room for additional ideas from residents, partners, and other stakeholders.

1.4 Vision on biodiversity

As described, the municipality of Nuenen aims to develop, preserve, and enhance nature, with a focus on biodiversity, climate adaptation, cultural history, and recreation. These themes contribute to Nuenen’s core qualities of “green” and “village-like” and have been translated into four key objectives in the Environmental Vision:

1. High quality housing and living environment
2. Vital society
3. Rugged landscape
4. Nuenen in Brainport

Health serves as the unifying factor for all initiatives in the physical domain. The Environmental Vision prioritizes the quality of green spaces over quantitative expansion. Quality improvements must be achieved by focusing on biodiversity and connecting green spaces within urban centers and with the surrounding landscape.

The diversity of landscape types in the municipality of Nuenen is cherished, and together with various partners, the goal is to further develop the Brabant Nature Network within the municipality. This biodiversity plan marks a step toward our vision for the future of Nuenen. By 2035, we aim to be a municipality where the presence of native plants and animals is the norm, with everything they need to thrive. Of course, problems must be addressed at the source as much as possible. However, many causes of biodiversity loss are not at the municipal level. Where we can take action ourselves to eliminate sources, we will do so. Nevertheless, we can contribute to limiting national biodiversity loss by implementing local measures.

 1.5 How to Use This Biodiversity Plan

This biodiversity plan serves as the foundation for the environmental programs yet to be developed. This means that it puts into practice the approach outlined in the Environmental Vision regarding nature and landscape. When drafting environmental programs or other spatial policies, the municipality of Nuenen will rely on the objectives described in this biodiversity plan. In many cases, it is important to assess the type of landscape in which a development is taking place and which target species and landscape elements should therefore play a major role. For spatial developments by third parties, legal requirements—as laid down in national, provincial, and regional regulations and municipal environmental plans—take precedence. In addition, this biodiversity plan serves as an inspirational document to encourage and motivate external parties to take additional measures to benefit biodiversity.

Chapter 2: Overview of Vision and Goals

2.1 Growing Together in a Green and Livable Nuenen 

The Municipality of Nuenen views biodiversity as a value in its own right and of great importance to people. It contributes to various ecosystem services, health, well-being, quality of life, economic development, and recreation. At the same time, biodiversity is declining and must therefore be protected, restored, and strengthened. As also stated in the Environmental Vision, we want to preserve the village-like and green character of Nuenen, which serves as a green lung in the urban region. Based on this vision, a landscape-oriented strategy has been chosen; measures and actions are linked to the various landscape types in Nuenen.

High quality housing and living environment

Nuenen retains its village-like and green character: this stems from a appreciation for the village’s sense of community, its vibrant civic life, and the agricultural landscape, as described in the Environmental Vision. To create a high-quality living environment, we take climate adaptation and nature-inclusive design into account in projects involving public spaces. In addition, we are actively committed to protecting, strengthening, and restoring our natural environment, so that valuable landscapes and green structures are preserved.

Vital society

In Nuenen, residents, business owners, and community organizations feel connected, in part, by a shared responsibility for the quality of their living environment. By fostering participation, we not only strengthen social cohesion and engagement, but also contribute to the preservation and enhancement of biodiversity. We are working together toward a future in which people and nature are in balance. Community initiatives that give concrete expression to this vision are supported and encouraged.

Rugged landscape

We are working to develop nature by protecting and enhancing it and increasing biodiversity. Specifically, this is done through our work on the Brabant Nature Network within the “Dommeldal uit de Verf 2.0” partnership. In this context, the stream valleys of the Kleine Dommel and the Dommel serve as a key link in both expanding and connecting habitats, as well as capturing water during wet periods.

With regard to the agricultural sector, we are working toward a transition to agriculture that aligns with concepts such as sustainability, organic farming, nature-inclusive practices, and circularity. We are doing this in consultation with agricultural entrepreneurs. This transition plays a particularly important role in the “light green heart”—the central area of Nuenen—in improving the quality of the landscape. Here, we are also working to expand the wet forest and marshland around the Nuenens and Wettens Broek. By creating a green-blue network throughout our rural areas, we are enhancing species dispersal through green spaces and waterways.

Nuenen in Brainport

Our municipality plays a key role in shaping the green spaces of the Brainport region. To enhance these spaces, we are committed to preserving the rural areas as a green buffer and strengthening nature reserves. The Dommel Valley on the west side and the Stiphoutse Bossen and Gulbergen Estate on the east side form an important regional green zone with recreational functions. Biodiversity also plays a key role in this context, given the strong connection described earlier with ecosystem services that are essential for our health, well-being, and economic development.

2.2 Policy Framework

The existing policies and plans relevant to biodiversity in Nuenen encompass various levels of legislation and local regulations.

European and national legislation

• Birds and Habitats Directives: European legislation aimed at protecting wild birds and natural habitats.
• Omgevingswet: focuses on protecting nature reserves, plants, and animals in the Netherlands.
• Climate Act: This legislation sets out the Netherlands’ climate goals, including climate adaptation as a key priority.

Provincial policy

• Nature Policy Framework 2030: outlines the province’s goals for nature, with the ambition of creating a biodiverse and nature-inclusive North Brabant.
• Nature Implementation Agenda 2023–2027: outlines projects and activities designed to achieve the ambitions and objectives for 2030.

Local regulations, visions, and plans

• General Local Regulation (APV): contains provisions regarding green space management and nature conservation.
• Environmental Vision: a long-term vision for, among other things, the preservation and enhancement of nature, the landscape, biodiversity, climate adaptation, cultural heritage, and recreation.
• Environmental plans: contain guidelines for spatial development.
• Nuenen Green Space Plan: Designation of structural and visually defining elements of public green spaces within built-up areas.
• 2017 Tree Policy Plan: Guidelines for the Management and Preservation of Trees in the Municipality.
• Green Space Management Plan 2020–2026: sets out specific goals and actions for green space management in Nuenen, with biodiversity as one of its key pillars.
• Forest and Nature Area Management Plan 2023–2028 for the Municipality of Nuenen, Gerwen, and Nederwetten: describes nature-oriented management and the objectives for the nature areas in the municipality managed by Bosgroep Zuid Nederland, including the conversion of commercial forests into natural forests.
• Sustainability and Climate Policy Document 2025–2030: embeds the Sustainable Development Goals in municipal policy through five pillars: energy transition, the circular economy, sustainable mobility, climate adaptation, and biodiversity. This policy document is expected to be adopted by the City Council by the end of 2025.
• Landscape Study of the Rural Areas of the Municipality of Nuenen (2020): a detailed qualitative description of the landscape, accompanied by a “toolbox” of landscape design elements.
• Nature Value Map (2019): This Map available at www.nuenen.nl and provides information, by habitat type, on species that may be found within the municipality. In addition, the Map provides Map on points to consider when carrying out work and/or activities within these habitat types.
• Building in the rural areas of Nuenen (2022): a vision for "Space for Space" (RvR) developments, incorporating spatial principles to evaluate applications with a view to preserving and enhancing the quality of town centers and the landscape. Like the present biodiversity plan, this vision follows a landscape-type-based approach. The four landscape types in the rural area form the basis for a zoning system used to assess RvR developments. Due in part to their high ecological and recreational values, the stream valley and the reclaimed marshland constitute zones in this vision where, in principle, no RvR developments are permitted.
• Inter-Municipal Structural Vision for the Rijk van Dommel en Aa (2011): a vision for the development of the green area between the cities of Eindhoven and Helmond.
• Van Gogh National Park Master Plan (2020): Nuenen is a partner of the Van Gogh National Park. The Master Plan outlines four development themes that will guide the creation of the landscape of the future. These themes are “Nature, Landscape, and Heritage as Opportunities,” “Prospects for Farmers and Sustainable (Food) Production,” “Nature and Landscape at the Heart of the City,” and “Development of Sustainable (Cultural) Tourism.”

2.3 Goals, Strategy, and Actions

In the context of biodiversity, we have set the following goals:

1. Working together to protect, restore, enhance, and connect existing natural areas.
   Together with conservation organizations, land managers, farmers, and other stakeholders, we are committed to restoring, enhancing, and connecting existing natural areas within the municipality. Through collaboration, we are creating a more robust and resilient network of nature.
2. Toward a Resilient Ecosystem in Urban and Rural Areas.
   We are working with partners to strengthen biodiversity in both urban and rural areas. We do this through nature-inclusive construction and design, by promoting sustainable land use, and by making room for natural processes. In this way, we are building a future-proof ecosystem together.
3. Raising awareness and building support.
   We raise awareness among residents, businesses, civil society organizations, and within the municipal administration about the importance of biodiversity. Through communication and collaboration, we build support and promote initiatives that strengthen biodiversity.
4. Biodiversity as a central pillar of planning and management.
   In the planning and management of public spaces, we systematically incorporate biodiversity, in conjunction with climate adaptation. Where possible, we involve businesses, residents, and other managers to shape this approach together.

The Nuenen Municipality Environmental Vision identifies five landscape types. Each type has its own unique characteristics, challenges, and potential for biodiversity. That is why we have opted for a strategy focused on landscape-type-specific management. This means that we formulate specific goals and measures for each landscape type.

This approach ensures that the ecological values of each area are preserved and enhanced. In addition, we ensure that the measures are tailored to the specific characteristics of the landscape type. By focusing on target species and specific landscape elements, we create a detailed and effective management plan that provides tailored support for biodiversity in each area.

To achieve these goals at the municipal level, the following concrete measures are being implemented:

• Ecological management of public green spaces, where possible, through phased mowing of road shoulders, embankments, and lawns.
• Promoting nature-inclusive measures in new construction and redevelopment projects, and greening villages and town centers through the efforts of the municipality, partners, and residents.
• Restoration of the natural water system.
• Creation and management of ecological corridors in collaboration with the Dommel Water Board by connecting existing green areas via corridors.
• Transitioning from coniferous forests to nature-based forest management in order to create mixed forests.

2.4 Goals for 2035

Preventing further decline in biodiversity is a crucial first step. The focus is on jointly and directly addressing factors that contribute to the decline in biodiversity, including drought, eutrophication, fragmentation, and habitat loss. To achieve a resilient ecosystem, it is essential that the basic quality of soil, water, and air is sound. Within our sphere of influence, we invest in improving soil and water quality and restoring the ecological balance in the existing landscape types within our municipality.
Collaboration with land managers, farmers, nature organizations, the water board, and other government agencies is necessary to implement effective measures and coordinate them. Drawing up concrete management plans for various areas, implementing sustainable water level management, and promoting and connecting diverse and structurally rich green spaces are just a few examples of measures that contribute to this.

In addition, it is important to ensure that the Basic Quality of Nature (BKN) is up to standard in rural and built-up areas, including outside nature reserves. Basic Nature Quality refers to the conditions in soil, water, air, landscape design, and management necessary to preserve common flora and fauna. It involves a healthy, functional living environment in which these species can survive or recover. If these basic conditions disappear or are lacking, common species will gradually disappear. This creates the opposite of a resilient ecosystem. For this reason, we will use a step-by-step plan to identify which conditions and values are currently present and how the restoration and enhancement of nature and biodiversity can be achieved. In doing so, the habitats of common species will be strengthened. If the habitats of these species are in good condition, this also increases the chances for the more rare species, including the target species mentioned in section 2.5.

By 2035, the municipality of Nuenen is committed to creating a strong foundation for biodiversity by protecting and preserving existing natural assets. To ensure not only a strong but also a broad foundation for biodiversity, additional restoration and enhancement measures are being implemented
. The biodiversity goals for 2035 can thus be divided into two categories: A. protect and preserve, and B. restore and enhance.

A. Protecting and conserving: the foundation of biodiversity

A robust and balanced ecosystem forms the foundation for biodiversity. Our goals are focused on protecting key landscape elements and creating resilient habitats for flora and fauna. This requires a comprehensive approach centered on the four Fs: Food, Safety, Reproduction, and Movement.

Creating a cohesive nature network

As a partner in the "Dommeldal uit de Verf" project, we are working to protect several existing nature areas both within and outside the Brabant Nature Network. In addition, we are committed to making plots within the Brabant Nature Network that have not yet been designated as nature areas available for nature restoration. This network, part of the Netherlands Nature Network (NNN), ensures that species can move freely and genetic exchange can take place, which is crucial for maintaining healthy populations.

Protection and creation of green and blue landscape features 

We are committed to preserving and creating landscape features such as hedgerows, ponds, and natural riverbanks. These features are essential for biodiversity in both urban and agricultural areas. As a municipality, we offer grant opportunities for this purpose. As a partner in the Van Gogh National Park, we are also contributing to this effort through the “Brabant Behaagt” program.

B. Restore and Strengthen: Ensuring a Sustainable Future for Nature

In addition to protecting existing natural areas, restoring damaged ecosystems and strengthening green and blue infrastructure is essential to ensuring their long-term sustainability.

Restoration of green and blue landscape features

We focus on restoring degraded landscape features, such as ponds and ditches, that are under pressure due to drought, eutrophication, or paving. Through sustainable water level and ecological management, we aim to improve soil and water quality.

Strengthening ecosystems in spatial development

In urban development projects, we adopt nature-inclusive construction and design as the standard. This means that new projects and renovations automatically contribute to biodiversity, for example by incorporating green roofs, nesting boxes, and native vegetation. To achieve this, we work closely with property developers, housing associations, and architects. Their expertise and willingness to incorporate valuable natural elements into the design and construction process are essential.

Increasing knowledge and awareness

Biodiversity can only be successfully protected and enhanced if residents, businesses, and landowners are aware of its importance and are given the means to contribute themselves. This is how we work together toward a green future. We aim to achieve this by informing residents, businesses, and landowners about the importance of biodiversity and by offering practical opportunities for action, such as educational programs and workshops, so that everyone can play an active role in nature conservation. This requires a joint effort by the municipality and community partners, such as nature organizations and educational institutions.

Supporting community initiatives

Local initiatives receive support from the municipality. These include neighborhood projects focused on greening, such as creating butterfly gardens, replacing paving stones with greenery, and enhancing municipal green spaces through resident participation. Collaboration between residents, businesses, and community organizations is central to this effort. By creating corridors on private and commercial properties, we are developing ecological connections within the village centers.

2.5 Target Species

Finally, target species have been designated for each landscape type. The conservation, restoration, or reintroduction of these species is considered a conservation objective. These often include endangered, declining, and/or rare species. The species selected for Nuenen were observed in or near the specific landscape type within the municipality during the period 2021–2024 (see Figure 1 and the Nuenen Natural Value Map). Monitoring of these species is used to assess the results of measures and actions taken and, based on this, to determine whether the approach is successful.

Overarching

In addition to these specific species, the measures also focus on general principles related to biodiversity. For example, they address:

• enhancing the structural diversity of forests.
• promoting a diversity of tree species and age structure in forests.
• promoting biodiversity along roadsides.
• reducing the population of invasive alien species that pose a threat to native species.

Target species for biodiversity measures in the municipality of Nuenen

Measures are designed to support specific species (or groups of species) for each landscape type. The Natural Value Map provides an overview of characteristic species and the landscape elements that are important to them for each landscape type. By focusing on so-called target species, attention is given to the associated habitat through the targeted creation, restoration, and management of green and blue landscape elements:

Stream valley

Crested newt, forest damselfly, small blue butterfly, bullhead, kingfisher, Daubenton's bat, weasel, slender primrose, valerian.

Land reclamation

Alpine newt, small copper butterfly, snipe, stork, little owl, weasel, wood anemone, slender primrose.

New development

Moor frog, viviparous lizard, heath blue butterfly, black woodpecker, partridge, yellowhammer, squirrel, badger, small sundew, heather.

Farms and camps

Elder, barn swallow, stork, partridge, little owl, badger, squirrel, cornflower, single-styled hawthorn.

Villages and towns

Small newt, peacock butterfly, house sparrow, common swift, pipistrelle bat, squirrel, hedgehog, ivy, wild rowan.

Chapter 3: Strategy

3.1 What we are already doing and will continue to do

As a municipality, we are currently implementing various initiatives and programs to protect and enhance biodiversity. These initiatives focus on ecological, social, and educational aspects and include, among other things:

Ecological roadside management

Approximately 615 hectares of roadside verges are managed ecologically under the Butterfly Foundation’s Kleurkeur certification. This ecological management of roadside verges is aimed at preserving or enhancing native flora and fauna. By utilizing this certification, guidelines are established between the contractor and the municipality to protect biodiversity. The use of phased mowing promotes biodiversity, as wildlife can use the roadside verges year-round for movement, food, and safety within the taller grasses and herbs. Furthermore, we are investigating how we can optimize our roadside management to increase the proportion of flowering herbs in the roadside, which is an ongoing process. By reducing the nutrient levels in the roadside areas, flower-rich grassland can develop there over the years.

Certified forest management (FSC)

In forest and nature areas, such as the Collse and Refelingse heaths, we operate in accordance with FSC guidelines and the Code of Conduct for Species Protection. This promotes a structurally rich, diverse, and natural forest, with a special focus on forest floor development. To ensure these guidelines are followed, we collaborate with land management organizations such as Bosgroep Zuid Nederland and Brabants Landschap.

Nature-Inclusive Construction

In Nuenen-West, nature-inclusive construction is encouraged; here, built-in shelters
for animals, green spaces, and climbing plants on building facades are being installed to support local flora and fauna. In addition, we offer grants for greening roofs and removing paving from gardens, which residents and businesses can apply for.

Brabant Nature Network

The municipality of Nuenen is working on the further development of the Brabant Nature Network through initiatives such as the “Dommeldal uit de Verf 2.0” partnership. In addition to the Dommeldal, various areas in the Broekontginning—such as the Hooidonkse Beek and the Nuenens Broek—and the younger reclamation areas, such as the Stiphoutse Bossen, are part of the nature network. The focus here is on preserving, restoring, and developing natural values, including the creation of ecological corridors and badger tunnels.

Construction and management of wildlife crossings

Throughout the municipality of Nuenen, wildlife crossings are located at the intersections of infrastructure and natural areas. These crossings help connect natural areas with the villages and town centers in Nuenen.

Integration into the landscape

Entrepreneurs and residents in rural areas can apply for two grants aimed at enhancing biodiversity. The Landscape Incentive Scheme is available for the construction, design, and management of small landscape features, while the ErvenPlus Scheme is available for the adaptation of farmyards; both are administered by Brabants Landschap.

Pest Control

The municipality is combating invasive species such as Japanese knotweed, giant hogweed, and black cherry. In addition, alternative methods for controlling the oak processionary caterpillar are being explored by boosting populations of natural predators and adjusting mowing policies.

Biodiversity in villages and towns

Projects such as “Nature in the Village” and the creation of butterfly gardens in collaboration with the IVN contribute to the conservation of local species. This not only promotes biodiversity but also fosters residents’ engagement and participation.

3.2 What else we plan to do

Although much has already been done, additional measures are needed to further strengthen biodiversity and increase the involvement of residents, other stakeholders, and partners. These measures therefore encompass policy, management, monitoring, and awareness-raising.

Policy

• Developing and implementing a nature opportunity map.
• Updating the inventory of valuable trees.
• Integrating nature-inclusive construction and renovation, including the establishment of nature-inclusive renovation and construction standards.

Management

• Developing an ecological management plan that includes, among other things, more extensive mowing practices aimed at increasing biodiversity along roadsides, lawns, green belts, and (reed) banks.
• Restoring the natural water system.
• Transitioning from coniferous forests to nature-based forest management in order to create mixed forests.
• Creation and management of ecological corridors in collaboration with the Dommel Water Board by connecting existing green areas via corridors.
• A systematic approach to managing—and preferably controlling—the invasive alien species Japanese knotweed and giant hogweed.
• Improving and adding wildlife crossings.

Monitoring

• Developing and implementing a monitoring plan in accordance with the "Basic Quality of Nature" guidance document to assess and track the current state of nature in Nuenen.
• Evaluating the results and, based on those results, adjusting management and control methods for invasive alien species and the oak processionary moth.

Awareness

• Organizing informational and inspirational meetings about the importance of biodiversity and how residents can help strengthen it.
• Sharing helpful tips and links to information on how to work together to strengthen nature, including via the municipal website and social media channels.
• Keep residents regularly informed about ongoing projects and success stories.
• Investing in educational programs, including the development of teaching materials for schools.

Measures

Biodiversity restoration depends on site-specific interventions. When drafting the various environmental programs, an assessment is made to determine which of the landscape types present in Nuenen are part of the planning area. Based on this assessment, the measures to be implemented in the planning area are specified for each landscape type. These measures are described in Chapter 4.

Intermission: Nature in the Village

Nuenen has many green spaces owned by the municipality. A few years ago, the IVN launched an initiative to use these spaces within the built-up area to help preserve bees and, by extension, other insects. Relinquishing control over public spaces is always a sensitive issue for a municipality. It comes down to trust and having the courage to let go. The IVN is a highly reliable and knowledgeable partner in this regard. Beautiful flower beds have appeared in various locations throughout the village, attracting many insects. It’s not just the more common species; rare species have also been spotted, having gained a habitat thanks to these small fields. From here, species can spread further, for example through gardens. With this relatively small shift in green space management in public areas, immediate results can be achieved to increase biodiversity.

3.3 Collaboration

Biodiversity in Nuenen can only be enhanced through collaboration. The municipality manages a limited area, as shown in Figure 2. That is why it is important for everyone to be able to contribute—whether as a resident, farmer, business owner, or volunteer with a partner organization. This chapter outlines ideas for how we can work together to promote biodiversity, based on:

• Shared responsibility: preserving and enhancing biodiversity is not just the municipality’s responsibility; it is a collective effort that requires all of us to do our part.
• Area-specific approach: measures tailored to the specific characteristics of the area and the species living there have the greatest chance of success.
• Knowledge sharing and participation: Resident engagement and knowledge are essential for developing and implementing effective, widely supported measures.

3.3.1 Residents

Residents value a healthy living environment, recreational opportunities, and the preservation of the local identity: village-like, green, welcoming, and peaceful. There is a growing awareness among residents of the importance of biodiversity in this context. Here are a few actions that can positively contribute to this issue:

• In your own garden: You can make your garden more nature-friendly by choosing native plants, removing hard surfaces, using a variety of native plant species, creating variations in elevation, building a pond, lake, or small wetland, hanging up birdhouses, and creating shelters for animals.
• In your neighborhood: Do you have an idea for making your neighborhood greener, such as creating small façade gardens or bee gardens? The city is happy to help you bring your initiative to life through the online service portal, or you can contact us by phone.
• The municipality provides support in the form of information and practical tips—including details on grant opportunities—via its website, social media, and at informational and inspirational events.
• The IVN organizes activities and courses and has several working groups you can join. This offers residents various opportunities to get involved in managing our green environment, such as pruning trees and maintaining small gardens for bees and butterflies.

Intermission: Fatherland 

On the site of a dairy farm near Nederwetten, the Vaderland venue is being developed, where guests can enjoy everything the location has to offer. This is literally done from the restaurant, which serves food produced on-site or at nearby farms. In addition, a grassland plot is being converted to a more nature-inclusive use. The pump, which currently drains the plot, will be shut down. This allows water to remain in the area longer and seep into the soil. To give the water more space, the ditches will be given gentle slopes, and a pond will be created. A small portion will be planted with trees that can tolerate wet conditions. The resulting variation in habitats gives new species a chance to establish themselves. This also expands the habitat of species from the Dommel stream valley. Incorporating the development and management of nature and landscape as a green service within agricultural businesses offers many opportunities for biodiversity.

3.3.2 Agricultural businesses

As a business owner in our rural areas, you are a key partner in preserving and
enhancing biodiversity in the countryside. After all, this concerns the environment where you work every day and which is often your property.

What you can do:

• Agricultural nature conservation: By adopting nature-friendly measures—such as planting field margins with native flower mixtures or creating a pond or habitat for meadow birds—you can enhance biodiversity on your land. The municipality offers subsidy programs for this purpose in collaboration with the Province of North Brabant, Brabants Landschap, and the De Dommel Water Board.
• Green-blue corridors: By collaborating with your neighbors and the local government, you can help create ecological corridors between natural areas, such as hedgerows and canals. This not only strengthens nature but can also benefit your business operations. After all, your business stands to gain from clean water, insect pollination, and good soil quality.

3.3.3 Small and large businesses

Businesses have a stake in biodiversity from the perspective of sustainable and socially responsible business practices (CSR). There is growing interest among businesses in nature-inclusive business practices. As an entrepreneur or business in Nuenen, you can integrate biodiversity into your business operations and thus contribute to a greener and healthier living environment:

• Nature-inclusive construction and landscaping: by incorporating green roofs and facades or creating a pond or dry stream bed, for example, you can help boost biodiversity while making your commercial property more sustainable and attractive.
• Greening industrial parks: In collaboration with the municipality or province, you can manage industrial parks in an environmentally friendly way and make them greener, for example by creating green spaces and installing insect hotels. This not only contributes to biodiversity but also creates a more pleasant working environment.
• CSR and biodiversity: Biodiversity can be a valuable addition to your CSR policy. The municipality can assist you with this.

3.3.4 Partners  

Brabant Landscape

Brabants Landschap is currently the municipality’s largest partner in the field of biodiversity. In addition to owning and managing 164 hectares of nature reserves (such as the Nuenens Broek and the Wettens Broek (Heerendonk) within our municipality), Brabants Landschap has taken on a number of other responsibilities. Brabants Landschap is the lead partner in the “Dommeldal uit de Verf” project. Within this project, work is underway to realize the Dutch Nature Network in the stream valleys of the Kleine Dommel and the Dommel. On behalf of the province, Brabants Landschap’s landscape coordination center implements two subsidy programs: the Landscape Incentive Scheme and ErvenPlus. Brabants Landschap also provides information through the Groenloket about opportunities to increase biodiversity in the area.

Dommel Water Authority

The water authority is responsible for both water quality and water quantity. Its primary regulatory tool is the Water Quality Standard. Biodiversity is also a focus in the planning process in which the water board is involved. The municipality has entered into a cooperation agreement with the Dommel Water Board for the construction of the wet Ecological Connectivity Zones. In practical terms, this means that the water board will take on and implement the projects in Nuenen.

Dutch Forestry Commission

Staatsbosbeheer is an organization that manages the Netherlands’ natural heritage, including 161 hectares in Nuenen. They primarily manage nature areas in the stream valleys of the Kleine Dommel and Dommel. The Rietmussen is the best-known example of these. Staatsbosbeheer also leads a sub-area within the Dommeldal from the Verf. This concerns the area between the Soeterbeek Estate and the Hooydonksche Watermill.

Intermission: Dommeldal in Paint

North Brabant is shaped by the streams that flow from south to north through the province. These wetlands provide a green counterbalance to the villages and towns, which are often situated on the drier lands between the streams and former heathlands. The municipalities of Nuenen, Son en Breugel, Eindhoven, and Geldrop-Mierlo are collaborating with the De Dommel Water Board, Brabants Landschap, and Staatsbosbeheer on the “Dommeldal uit de Verf” project. The goal is to make as much land as possible in the stream valley of the Kleine Dommel and the Dommel available for nature development. All landowners have been approached and informed about how they can develop nature themselves or incorporate nature into their business operations. Various subsidies and compensation are also available for this purpose. In some cases, land is exchanged or purchased by one of the participating partners.

Forest Group Southern Netherlands

Bosgroep Zuid Nederland is responsible for managing nature areas within the municipality, covering a total area of approximately 110 hectares spread across six larger sites. About 76 hectares of this area consists of forest. The forests managed by Bosgroep Zuid Nederland consist mainly of Scots pine, mixed with deciduous trees such as native oak, birch, and American oak. They also manage the “Nuenens Ven” near the Papenvoortse Heide. The municipality and Bosgroep collaborate and coordinate on forest management. Bosgroep aims to transform its forests into mixed forests with a high proportion of native tree species.

IVN Nuenen

The IVN Nuenen is the driving force behind the butterfly and bee gardens in Nuenen. As part of this project, 33 plots of land owned by the municipality have been transformed into habitats specifically for insects. In addition, the IVN organizes nature walks and lectures in and around our municipality, with the aim of connecting people with nature in their local environment. Furthermore, many pollarded willows are maintained by volunteers from the IVN’s pollarding team.

Nuenen Wildlife Management Unit

The Wildlife Management Unit carries out wildlife management tasks on behalf of the province. In addition, they maintain records of the number of animals struck by vehicles in Nuenen. This information is used to determine whether wildlife crossings need to be constructed.

ANV ’t Broek

This foundation is responsible for the creation and management of
landscape features on behalf of a number of farmers. This primarily involves field margins.

ZLTO Meierijstad

This local chapter of the ZLTO represents its members in our municipality. Members can access the support of the central organization in Tilburg. The ZLTO works as a partner within the Van Gogh National Park on various programs aimed at increasing biodiversity in rural areas.

Midden Gebied Foundation

This foundation is dedicated to promoting nature and environmental interests in the area between the cities of Eindhoven and Helmond. It is a small foundation that serves as a consultative partner in the development of policy.

De Walhut Apiary

This entrepreneur is deeply committed to nature and the landscape. From his property near Wettens Broek (Heerendonk), he devotes a great deal of attention to
biodiversity. He enjoys contributing ideas and offering advice based on his expertise.

De Weverkeshof Village Farm

At the Weverkeshof, there is a strong focus on nature and the landscape. Visitors are provided with information about the natural environment on the grounds. Since the Weverkeshof is visited by children, parents, and grandparents, it is an ideal place for accessible education on the topic of biodiversity. In addition to biodiversity, visitors can also learn about organic vegetable gardening.
 

Chapter 4: Area Description and Measures
4.1 Landscape Types

The municipality of Nuenen is divided into five landscape types, each with its own unique characteristics and qualities that offer opportunities for biodiversity and its enhancement. The Map Figure 3 shows the location of the various landscape types within the municipal boundaries. In addition, the Natural Value Map includes a comprehensive overview of characteristic species and landscape elements for each landscape type, along with measures for management and restoration.

4.2 Stream Valley

Current situation

The Dommel river valley, which forms the western border of Nuenen, is a dynamic and valuable area with a wide range of habitats. These include natural riverbanks, wet hay meadows, and forests such as alder swampland and bird cherry-ash forests. This landscape provides an important habitat for species such as the crested newt, Daubenton’s bat, kingfisher, and great egret. A large part of the area bordering the Dommel is managed by Staatsbosbeheer.

Threats

The greatest threats to this area are desiccation—caused by water extraction and drainage—and excessive concentrations of fertilizers and salts in the water. These factors lead to the degradation of wetland habitats that are crucial for the conservation of a unique and diverse stream valley flora and fauna.

Desired situation

To preserve and enhance biodiversity in the stream valley, it is essential to restore the natural water cycle. This can be achieved by raising the groundwater level and reducing both drainage and the discharge of seepage water. Restoration measures also include closing drainage ditches and protecting steep banks against erosion. In addition, it is important to focus management efforts on native species, such as marsh marigold and yellow iris in wet areas, and to create ecological corridors that facilitate the migration of species such as the crested newt and kingfisher. In this regard, as a municipality, we depend on the cooperation of landowners.

Target species

Crested newt, forest damselfly, small blue butterfly, bullhead, kingfisher, Daubenton's bat, weasel, slender primrose, and valerian.

Measures

Hydrological adjustments

Promoting and restoring local hydrological dynamics, natural flow patterns, and associated wetland habitats by:

• Filling in drainage ditches.
• Preserve and, where possible, restore meandering stream courses and old stream channels.
• Creating slow-flowing streams by restoring meandering, dredging, and/or introducing dead wood.
• Preventing erosion through careful management of riparian vegetation.

Management of reed beds and riparian vegetation

Reed beds and natural riparian vegetation are essential for biodiversity in stream valleys. Management focuses on:

• Creating natural banks and, if desired, planting them with native vegetation.
• Implement phased mowing management.