Greening of the Federal Police site in Asse

The Federal Police complex in Asse, managed by the Public Buildings Administration, is located in an urban context. The BiodiversiScape programme has transformed this site into a ‘green oasis’ by creating two ponds, planting (fruit) trees and hedges, and installing nesting boxes, a branch ledge and a bee hive. This has created a favourable habitat (shelter, food and breeding place ) for birds, insects and amphibians.

Each planting has been done with native species, which in turn attracts native animals and thus increases local biodiversity. By increasing the number of insects, there will also be more pollination. Moreover, all lawns are managed ecologically by mowing less so that flowers find their way everywhere.

This greening contributes to the ecological network and also improves climate regulation. Via the municipal path, besides police personnel and visitors, local residents can also enjoy this biodiversity-rich site.

Buildings and infrastructures

• As little alteration of the initial landscape as possible /as much naturalness as possible to replace grey and concrete surfaces (e.g. green roofs and walls, greening the surroundings, incorporating the existing landscape into the infrastructure).
• Respect and/or improve the specific ecological characteristics of the area (e.g. the topography, the type of landscape, the local plant and animal life) to effectively replace the gray/concrete surface.
• Incorporate the amenities into the surrounding area and environment.
• Use native species/subspecies that are more resilient and resistant to climate change, if appropriate
• Incorporate elements that are suitable for the local biodiversity (e.g. birdhouses suitable for the bird species on site, insect houses at an appropriate height, appropriate vegetation types).
• Provide amenities with sufficient space/length/thickness to ensure the creation of habitats, green-blue areas and veins.

Bed & breakfasts for wild pollinators

• Provide suitable habitats for wild pollinators, both in terms of nesting places (bed) and in terms of food plants and vegetation (breakfast).
• Diversify vegetation to include a range of plants (native species adapted to local pollinator populations) that bloom and provide abundant sources of pollen and nectar throughout spring, summer and fall (“bee pastures”).
• Create appropriate nesting places (piles of wood or sand, insect hotels, …), and permanent spots of bare soil for ground-nesting pollinator species.
• Create/enhance corridors to maintain the ecological continuity across the different types of green spaces and allow pollinators to move from one place to another.

The site will be managed ecologically with appropriate mowing management.