Chris Brunner from the Vogelwerkgroep Zuid-Kennemerland is also happy that the trees remain standing. “The tree falcon is not doing well, so that they have settled here is very special. They need high trees, the poplars are perfect for that. When it comes back from Africa, his house is lucky because of this decision. Fortunately, the municipality now decides to keep them a step in the right direction, because often we first look at management and costs.”
Maintenance will cost tens of thousands of euros
A lot had to be arranged to save the poplars from the hood, a spokesperson for the responsible alderman confirms. “The project to refurbish the Geniedijk was already initiated in 2009. The preference was therefore also when implementing that plan, so things had to be adjusted. We are still working on a precise estimate of what the maintenance costs will be.”
Because that the money is going to cost is certain. The annual maintenance costs of the poplars are estimated at 20,000 euros. And the elms who had to come to the spot of the poplars were already purchased and were waiting for a grower during the objection procedure. The municipality has succeeded in giving the elm alternative places, in Hoofddorp, Rijsenhout, Zwanenburg and Badhoevedorp. That planting costs almost three tons in total.
Hundreds of extra trees in the polder
Netto means that hundreds of trees are added in the Haarlemmermeerpolder. A golden edge also admits the municipal spokesperson. “Of course we would have preferred the original plan, but it is nice that we can further green the municipality in this way.”
Corinne’s bedroom view will be retained in the coming years until her joy. She hopes that the decision of the municipality can mean a change in nature policy. “I hope that with this entire process we were able to hit picking posts for the future. Every step in favor of biodiversity is a step in the right direction.”