GreenQuays is a project by the municipality of Breda to green the quay walls of the Nieuwe Mark with trees, plants, ferns, and mosses. Van den Berk Boomkwekerijen is a partner in this project, together with the municipality of Breda, TU Delft, Wageningen University & Research, Waterschap Brabantse Delta, Natuurplein de Baronie, and RAVON. Van den Berk is responsible for everything related to the trees.

The project started in June 2020 with a pilot setup: a small-scale test in which different quay wall designs were studied. Trees with curved trunks were grown, and together with TGS a plan was made for the growing site design, with a strong focus on water management. In the pilot setup, two Salix cinerea (grey willow) and two Ulmus laevis (fluttering elm) were planted in specially designed, invisible containers behind the quay walls.
From 2021, unique tree pits were installed over a length of 175 meters on both sides of the river, as growing space for tree and shrub species that strengthen urban ecology. In addition to Salix cinerea and Ulmus laevis, Acer campestre (field maple) also performs well under these conditions.

In September 2023, the green quays were officially opened. In October 2024, the first section of the Nieuwe Mark, including the green quays and quay walls, was completed. It will still take some time before all the trees and plants are fully mature, but in many places the greenery is already visible. The greening contributes to cooling and helps reduce heat stress in the city.

The project is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund through the Urban Innovation Actions Initiative. More about this project: www.greenquays.nl

This project is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund through the Urban Innovation Actions Initiative. Photos: Jimke Joling