Baza danych projektów PROW
Developing a Network of 'Natural' Gardens in Wallonia
Summary
This project, developed by 2 Local Action Groups in Wallonia, aims to develop & promote 'natural' gardens in public & private areas, promoting the use of indigenous local plants & avoiding pesticides. The gardens are then used for teaching & events.
Background
'Natural' gardens are areas for leisure, production, decoration and learning. Places where nature and people can learn to co-exist. They can be private gardens with flowers, vegetables, trees, ponds or hedges, or public green spaces, the surroundings of a farm, a road or an enterprise. Two Local Action Groups recognised the potential of such spaces to provide opportunities for organising events, training, community participation and learning.
Objective
The aim of this cooperation project was to develop a network of 'natural' gardens and by creating and eveloping these spaces, to raise awareness of natural habitats, enabling people to learn about and assist in preserving local biodiversity, avoiding the use of pesticides and encouraging planting of indigenous local plant species.
Main activities
The main activities of the project included (i) Development and promotion of the 'natural' gardens concept and methodology; (ii) Planning and creation of nine 'natural' gardens - one in each participating commune, including pedagogic spaces for animation, events, conferences and visits; (iii) Development of the network of gardens to provide a range of opportunities for events and activities that engage and promote interaction between the participating local rural communites.
Results & Benefits
The project has developed increased communication and networking between local inhabitants, associations and other organisations. The Strategic Development Plan of the LAG revealed a real opportunity to work on this topic as a community initiative and the creation of the new natural gardens has enhanced the beauty of the region, the appreciateion of communities of the local biodiversity and knowledge of indigenous .
Lessons learnt
One of the difficulties has been to find local plant producers. There is a high demand for local plants but no local suppliers. The LAGs will work on these issues and try to stimulate a local response as an opportunity for local economic development.
Project location and other information
GAL Haute Sûre Forêt d’Anlier & GAL Cuestas
Region
Prov. Luxembourg (B)
RDP Territory
Wallonia
Total project cost (€)
194 000
EAFRD contribution (€)
87 300
National contribution (€)
87 300
Project website
Contact name
Stéphane Delogne
Telephone
+32 63 45 74 77 (GAL Haute Sûre Forêt d’Anlier) & + 32 63/45 71 27 (GAL Cuestas)
Languages for contact
French
At a glance
Country
Belgium
Final beneficiary type
Public/local authorities, Local Action Group
Budget range
€100 000 - €500 000
Start date:
01/01/2010
End Date:
01/01/2013
Theme / Measure:
Implementing the LEADER Approach
Co-operation projects
421. Implementing co-operation projects
Keywords:
Public awareness, Awareness raising, Environmental education, Natural heritage, Inter-territorial cooperation
Last update
09/04/2012