Urgenda aims to plant one million willows within a year |
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Municipalities, businesses, individuals and farmers encouraged to take part
Urgenda has launched a campaign to plant one million additional willow trees within a year. The organisation is calling on farmers, municipalities, businesses and individuals to take part. Willows grow quickly, are easy to propagate from cuttings and provide food and shelter for many animals. They are particularly important for insects that become active in early spring.
| Illustrative image generated with AI |
During the annual Tree Summit, Urgenda director Marjan Minnesma presented Agriculture Minister Van Essen with a willow branch from her own garden. The gesture was intended to draw attention to the campaign and the importance of willows for biodiversity. The campaign will run for one year, with particular emphasis on the planting season from mid-November to mid-March.
A branch in the ground is all it takes
Taking part is straightforward. Anyone wishing to plant a willow can cut a branch during the pruning and planting season and insert it into the ground. Willow cuttings are also available through the tree hubs operated by Meer Bomen Nu. This offers municipalities and green space managers a low-cost way to plant additional trees in suitable public spaces.
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A simple willow cutting allows municipalities and green space managers to plant additional trees
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Food for early-season bees
Willows flower early in spring, providing an important food source for bees and other insects. They also provide habitats for hundreds of species of insects, birds, bats and other animals.
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Early flowering makes willows important for bees that are active at the beginning of spring
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Benefits beyond biodiversity
Willows are also used to protect riverbanks and other waterside areas against erosion. In addition, they help retain moisture, provide shade and cooling, and absorb CO2. For municipalities and landscaping contractors, they can therefore be a useful addition to existing green spaces, provided there is sufficient room for growth and the location is suitable.
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As well as providing food for insects, willows help protect banks against erosion and provide cooling
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This article was previously published on 3 November 2026 on the website of Stad + Groen.
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