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Base de Datos de Proyectos de PDR

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

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