Sint-Niklaas launches 'Gewild Wild' campaign for more urban nature: less mowing and new trash bins

The city of Sint-Niklaas has initiated a new campaign, 'Gewild Wild' (Wild Desired), aimed at increasing the presence of nature and biodiversity within its urban environment. This initiative focuses on a more extensive approach to green space management, encouraging natural growth by mowing and pruning less frequently.

This shift towards less intensive maintenance has already yielded results. In 2024, the city's green services discovered a rare bee orchid in a green zone near the train station. While certain areas like cemeteries, playgrounds, and the immediate roadside verges will continue to receive intensive upkeep, other zones are being prioritized for natural development. "We want to give nature every opportunity," stated Kris Van der Coelden, alderman for Public Domain.

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Certain pieces of green are still maintained very intensively, such as the cemeteries, playgrounds, and the first meter of the roadside verges, but in other places we want to give nature every opportunity.

The 'Gewild Wild' campaign slogan will be visible on the green service's vehicles and attire, accompanied by informational signs in the wilder green areas. "More flowers and plants lead to a significant increase in insects, which in turn attract birds and other animals," alderman Van der Coelden explained. Grass will now be mowed only once or twice a year, and shrubs will be allowed to grow in their natural forms, with pruning scheduled only after flowering or bird nesting periods.

In parallel, Sint-Niklaas is piloting new trash bin designs at three high-traffic locations: the train station, Houtbriel, and Adolf Daensplein. These tests aim to determine if the redesigned bins can reduce illegal dumping and litter before a wider rollout. The new bins feature smaller openings to prevent household waste from being deposited, sloped or rounded surfaces to deter littering on top, and integrated cigarette stubbers to minimize discarded butts.

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More flowers and plants lead to a significant increase in insects, which in turn attract birds and other animals.