More green, more life: how FS is working on biodiversity on campus

A good example of biodiversity and social connection can be found at UNS40. “There, we transformed a large lawn into a meeting place,” says Karel. “We planted 15 nut trees, laid a hedge, and created a flower garden. Where the field used to be empty, students now sit and have lunch and relax.” The combination of nature and social use is a recurring theme. “The trees are walnut and beech – good for people and animals. Maybe students will one day pick their own nuts. Or the squirrels will beat us to it.”

From paved square to flower meadow

At the location at Grote Gracht 90, a formerly paved square has been greened with flower beds, trees, and flower meadows. These are mainly native plants that are good for insects and contribute to biodiversity. “A particular challenge was that the square originally had to remain paved because of the tents that were placed there during the introduction weeks. This obstacle was creatively solved by moving the tent location to the parking lot further down the road. Now the pavement has been turned into a meadow. More greenery, more biodiversity, and more space for recreation."

Karel works closely with his colleague Rabbe Dormans, who focuses on sustainability projects at Facility Services. “When planning at locations such as Grote Gracht, we ask students and staff what they want,” Rabbe explains. “Then Karel and I look at what is technically and ecologically possible. Once the plan is in place, we ask the Executive Board for funding.”

But the implementation often falls to Karel: “I arrange the maintenance and construction, depending on the budget and the willingness of faculties to contribute. We really do it together.”

Student input 

Students are regularly involved, for example in the design of gardens. “They have lots of ideas,” says Karel, “but the implementation is sometimes more difficult. Enthusiasm often lasts a month, after which maintenance is forgotten – and then the gardens fall into disrepair.” Nevertheless, their insights remain valuable: “The garden at UNS40 was designed partly thanks to input from students.”

From medieval wall to bee paradise

Biodiversity is also a matter of conservation. “The city wall at Tongersestraat 53 is an ecological hotspot. We are not even allowed to remove some species because they are protected. The monastery garden contains plants that were brought here from all over the world by monks centuries ago.”

And then there are the wild bees. On the grounds at Oxfordlaan 55, UM - in collaboration with ecological advisor Peter Albers (CMNE) - has created one of Maastricht's most successful bee locations. “There are now 64 different species of bees living there. The bee hotspot consists of a mound of three local soil types—marl, stol, and loam—ideal for nesting, sown with local flowers. In addition to the bee hotspot, an extra flower meadow has now been created on behalf of the Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience (FPN).