2,5 hectares of nature disappearing in Brussels

Lies Engelen Photography

Brussels is losing a nature reserve to the construction of a big housing project and a school. Citizens and politicians are aiming for a green city, but in the meantime 2,5 hectares of nature are once again disappearing.

Near the metro station of Bockstael in Laken lies a nature area of 2,5 hectares, called Donderberg. Once it belonged to the Royal Domaine, together with the Florist’s Gardens. Now it is property of the City of Brussels, where they want to start the HoP-project (Horticulteurs-Perruches): 49 residences and a primary school for 672 students. 2,5 football fields of nature are once again disappearing. However, Brussels could use more green spaces.

Concrete > nature

“The area is home to more than 180 adult trees, hundreds of shrubs and some rare plants like wild garlic”, says Ben Brumagne founder of Forest to Plate. “It is absurd that individuals, companies and municipalities are doing their best to create a green environment but at the same time are letting go of valuable existing nature.”

The nature reserve is not accessible to the public, which is a surplus for fauna and flora as they are left in peace. This is also a good thing for humans, because carbon emissions are captured from the air. Furthermore, the area functions as a cooling area in the city, which makes hot summers more bearable and it ensures water storage during heavy rains. Over the past years, floods have increased in the neighbourhood. Pouring concrete will only make things worse. 

Neighbourhood disapproves

A neighbourhood committee was already set up during the 1990s to protect the natural area. Several complaints have been made since, to prevent construction works from beginning. Neighbours point out numerous problems:traffic jams in the surrounding streets will get worse, parking places will disappear and school walls will be constructed in the backyards of the inhabitants. Moreover, the municipality barely consulted with the neighbours. 

Brussels, let nature be

It seems like nobody is waiting for this kind of construction project. The objections of the committee of Donderberg are underlining the fact that there is no need for extra schools or residences in the area. The HoP-project would mean a decline of the neighbourhood and the people of Brussels need more nature.

The city of Brussels is making efforts to create a green society, but it is a strange fact that at the same time they decide to take down a wonderful, 2,5 hectare nature area.