Strengthen urban nature by harvesting seedlings at Cartesius Utrecht

Cartesius will be a green and healthy urban district, comprising 2,840 homes, with a focus on ensuring that residents live healthier and happier lives for longer. A key element of this vision is the integration of greenery and biodiversity throughout the development process—before, during, and after its realization. Unlike traditional urban developments where small greenery like bushes and plants are often removed during groundwork, Cartesius Utrecht takes a different approach. Led by ecologist Franke van der Laan, a dedicated group of volunteers harvested over 2,000 seedlings from the site. These seedlings were then taken to a nursery where they can be replanted across the Netherlands, giving existing greenery a second life. This initiative is part of the sustainable efforts by Ballast Nedam Development and MRP to promote biodiversity and ensure that nature remains a fundamental part of the Cartesius neighborhood.

Green Collaboration

During the development of the Cartesius site, many non-replaceable shrubs and plants were discovered, alongside numerous seedlings. To ensure these valuable plants were preserved and relocated rather than lost, the Ballast Nedam Development and MRP consortium partnered with Meerbomen.nu. Meerbomen.nu, a coalition of Stichting Nationale Boomfeestdag, Stichting MEERGroen, Caring Farmers, and Urgenda, has a mission to plant 1 million trees across the Netherlands by 2021 to improve both climate and biodiversity. From November to March, when plants are dormant and sap is no longer flowing, it is the ideal time for harvesting seedlings and cuttings or transplanting. This effort ensures that Cartesius is not only preserving its existing greenery but also contributing to broader sustainability and environmental goals.

Stacy van den Brink, Developer at Cartesius Utrecht: "We think it would be great to put some of these seedlings back into the area to strengthen the existing biodiversity. Our goal is for people to live healthier and happier lives here for longer, and greenery plays a vital role in that."

1 Million trees for climate and biodiversity

The ecological crisis in the Netherlands demands urgent, large-scale action. Through the initiative of Meerbomen.nu, the goal is to give away at least 1 million trees for free this winter. Meerbomen.nu sees tree planting as a vital solution to slow down climate change, restore biodiversity, and offer citizens a positive way to contribute. Meerbomen.nu collects excess young shrubs and trees from nature reserves and construction sites, then replants them in other locations to promote sustainability. Over a million people have already signed up to receive a seedling for their garden or yard, actively participating in the movement to create a greener, healthier environment for all.

Program and facilities in Cartesius

The Cartesius area development consists of multiple phases, with phases 2-6 (comprising 2,530 homes) being developed by Ballast Nedam Development and MRP. Alongside the first phase, which includes 322 homes by Keystone Vastgoed, the total neighborhood will include 2,852 homes, complemented by two parks, an elementary school, a sports hall, a supermarket with organic products, restaurants, and various cultural and sports facilities. This car-free district will prioritize walkers and cyclists, with ample space for smart mobility solutions to ensure sustainability and accessibility. Want to know more about the City Deal Healthy and Sustainable Food Environment and its role in Cartesius?