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, among others. Van den Berk is responsible for everything related to the trees.

The project started in June 2020 with a trial set-up: a small-scale test in which different quay wall designs were assessed. Trees with curved stems were grown, and together with TGS a plan was drawn up for the growing site design, with a strong focus on water management. In the trial set-up, two Salix cinerea (grey willow) and two Ulmus laevis (fluttering elm) were planted in specially designed, hidden containers behind the quay walls.
From 2021, unique tree pits were installed over a length of 175 metres 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 established, but the greenery is already visible in many places. The greening contributes to cooling and helps combat 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