From 'clean, intact and safe' to a living and biodiverse public space: Waalwijk greens without a blueprint

ARTICLE

POLICY & LEGAL

Heleen Kommers, Hein van Iersel, Wednesday 5 November 2025

177 sec

Municipality develops a new approach to public space management through trial and error

In the municipality of Waalwijk, the time of only 'clean, intact and safe' is over. The municipality is opting for a more biodiverse public space, but without a detailed maintenance plan. 'It's difficult that we don't yet have a clear management plan,' says Kimberly Kuiper-Hofstede, strategic green manager. 'But on the other hand, it gives us a lot of freedom to experiment and to take politics along in the process.'

Kimberly Kuiper-Hofstede.

Waalwijk fills that experimental space with a pragmatic approach: design by doing. Kuiper-Hofstede explains: 'What works, we'll set aside for a policy document that still needs to be written. What doesn't work, we'll weed out.' Collaboration with the contractor partnership Vebego Groen and M.J. Smits is crucial. 'We really want a partnership, not just a contract saying you have to mow ten times a year. Together we look at what the goal of a lawn is, and whether our maintenance truly contributes to that goal.'
That means a lot of consultation: operational meetings to discuss reports, tactical talks about visual quality, and strategic meetings once a quarter. Kuiper-Hofstede says, 'That way we can adjust continuously. I also went out into the field with the contractor to compare visions. Together, we translate strategy into tactical and operational levels.'

New standards in practice

Waalwijk applies several concrete green standards. During redevelopment, 10 percent more ground-based greenery and 5 percent combined greenery must be added, and for trees the rule is: tree crown volume plus 10 percent. If that's not possible, there's a compensation fund. 'That makes us a serious player in new projects alongside other disciplines such as housing construction, utilities, and roadworks. They know that standard is simply there,' says Kuiper-Hofstede.
In practice, the green ambition translates into simple measures. Grass is not cut lower than eight centimeters: 'That way you keep flowers in the field, while children can still play football on it.' Tree pits are no longer kept perfectly clean. 'Everything that grows naturally, we let it be. It's healthier for the tree, good for insects, and it saves work.'

'Everything that grows naturally, we let it be. It's healthier for the tree, good for insects, and it saves work.'

Resistance and adaptation

Not everyone is enthusiastic. 'I've literally heard residents say, "Trees belong in the forest" and "I don't care about insects,"' says Kuiper-Hofstede. Older residents in particular struggle with dandelions or weeds on the pavement. 'Some still spray vinegar themselves. You'll never get everyone on board. There's always a 20 percent you won't convince. I don't put too much energy into them. It's better to focus on the group that is open to change.'
Still, communication is important. For pilots with herb-rich grass, the municipality sent personal letters to nearby residents inviting them to think along. Waalwijk also posts explanations on the website and in local media. 'If you explain why something happens, you prevent many questions. Even a simple information sign can help.'

Less weeding, more soil life

The change in management is visible. Where parks used to be neatly weeded, the greenery is now allowed to grow wilder in more places. 'Weeding sometimes really hurts me. You see emaciated flowerbeds, roots exposed in dry sand. No worm could live there,' says Kuiper-Hofstede. By using other methods, such as selectively removing unwanted species, the soil stays healthier.
It also saves money and manpower. 'They used to be out there with the hoe every week. Now we say: let it grow, unless it starts hanging over the pavement.'

Towards a management plan

A formal ecological maintenance guideline is still missing but is planned. 'In fact, all I'll need to do later is write down what we're already doing,' says Kuiper-Hofstede. 'The experiments provide enough evidence. What's successful will be included in the plan.'
She also wants more focus on participation. So far, most energy has gone into consultations with contractors. 'I personally miss the social contact with residents. When we eventually have a management plan, participation and communication should be part of it. Then we can better tell the story: what we do and why. There will also be more room for self-management. If residents still want a traditionally weeded flowerbed where the municipality opts for biodiversity, they can maintain it themselves in consultation.'

Opportunities in challenging times

Remarkably, Kuiper-Hofstede even sees opportunities in budget cuts. 'I've been waiting for the "cliff year" for a while. The biodiversity ambition still too often loses out to the idea that public space must look neatly maintained. If allowing wild herbs to grow demonstrably saves money, then politics will be more likely to support it.'
Even the municipality's own field staff are contributing ideas. 'A colleague recently texted me a photo: "Why am I even weeding this flowerbed?" We then decided to stop doing it. That shows the mindset is really changing, even among outdoor workers.'

Conclusion

Waalwijk is greening without a blueprint. The municipality is developing a new, value-driven maintenance approach by experimenting and collaborating with contractors and residents. There is resistance, but also a lot of enthusiasm. Kuiper-Hofstede sums it up: 'Management often sounds boring, but it's actually the place where we can make biodiversity, climate, and health tangible. And that gives me energy every day.'

This article was originally published on 24 October 2025 on the website of Stad + Groen.

Gemeente Waalwijk

Vebego Groen B.V.

Aannemersbedrijf M.J. Smi...

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