14,600 additional trees in Wingene

From now on, Wingene wants to financially support its residents when they undertake initiatives that contribute to the climate. The city council therefore agrees to new regulations and spends 25% extra on subsidies.

The aim of the municipality is to plant 14,600 additional trees in the coming years. That is 1 tree per inhabitant. The municipality of Wingene wants to achieve this goal together with its residents. The extra trees ensure many positive developments: cooling during periods of extreme heat, excess water is absorbed and the air becomes cleaner.

A tree in every garden

“Our village centers can become a lot greener, we are currently working on that, for example in the Keizerpark,” says alderman Brecht Warnez. “But a tree can also be planted in most gardens. Of course, the tree species must be geared to the available surface area.”

To give the residents of Wingene an extra boost, the municipality organizes an annual subsidized group purchase. In addition, the construction of facade gardens is possible under certain conditions.

A gift from heaven

“Not only trees have an important impact on our climate. We should also see the rain as a gift from heaven”, adds Hedwig Kerckhove, alderman for Public Works. “That is why the municipality will now also support the softening and greening of front gardens. This allows rainwater to penetrate into the soil and reduces the risk of flooding. At the same time, our groundwater reserves are being replenished.”

Associations and schools from Wingene will also be able to apply for extra subsidies for initiatives related to the environment, climate and sustainability.