Nature-inclusive building for more wildlife in the city

Research

In order to give nature more opportunities in the city, research is being done into existing wildlife-friendly measures in nature-inclusive construction projects. New construction techniques and materials are also being developed and optimized.

Further training and tools

To ensure that nature-inclusive construction becomes the new normal and is accessible to everyone, methodologies and tools for support and participation are being developed. Project developers, builders, architects and policy officers are also being trained and retrained.

Demo projects

During the project there are demonstration projects in the Netherlands and Flanders, both in new construction, redevelopment and renovation. The City of Ghent is also carrying out a demonstration project at three locations.

• In the Rattendalepark we are building a wildlife tower for tawny owls, stone martens and bats.
• The new competition tower at the Watersportbaan will have a roof where terns can breed.
• On the old abbey walls of the Saint-Bavo Abbey, we are experimenting with softcapping, a green roof with grass and plants that retains water so that it does not penetrate the walls. The green roof also provides food for bees, butterflies, beetles, ... which in turn are food for birds.

Budget

The 'Nature-incorporation' project is made possible by the Interreg Flanders Netherlands programme.

• Total projectbudget: 5,53 million euro
• EU funding: 2,76 million euro
• Budget Ghent: 100.379 euro
• EU funding Ghent: 50.189,54 euro