Urban foodpark Gardens of Stene
About this good practice
The Green Ribbon is a masterplan that connects all green zones and landscapes in the urban periphery of the city of Ostend. One specific are, the Gardens of Stene, was transformed from an inaccessible site into an open site with a community supported agricultural garden, walking areas, resting spots, a pergola and a food forest. Creeks were opened up and enlarged, rain water is captured and biodiversity is increased. This public green-blue infrastructure responds to several climate adaptation challenges:
- nature conservation,
- new nature development,
- water retention in and around the city - we also capture water via the school resulting in involvement,
- urban agriculture,
- slow mobility,
- tourism and recreation.
The Gardens of Stene pays particular attention to water management in clay soils. New channels were created and 15.000 m³ of soil was removed from the silted up channels, reducing flood risk and soil salinization while protecting agriculture. The area is now also accessible for pedestrians and cyclists. The latest addition in this area is a food forest.
Stakeholders and beneficiaries:
• The adjacent school now has an outdoor classroom under a pergola.
• A Community Supported Agriculture is up and running on location.
• Nearby inhabitants have a beautiful area where they can walk and enjoy nature. They can also contribute as volunteers working in the food forest.
• The food park lead to farmer involvement and a food strategy.
Resources needed
Interreg 2 seas projects: SCAPE (719.308 euro efro budget) and 21st Century Parks (415.707 euro efro budget). Support by the province and the city of Ostend. Managemed by vzw Buitengoed.
Evidence of success
It connects many different topics and many people! Thanks to the landscape redesign, the school has an outdoor classroom, participation is ongoing for the installation of a food forest, there are different areas for farming and test crops, the CSA is operational and now we have a food strategy for the city. The area has become very attractive and hosts lots of people, insects and other animals!
Masterplan with Pearls on a ribbon: each component is the realisation of a bigger vision.
Potential for learning or transfer
The multidisciplinary and holistic approach with ongoing participatory processes and citizen involvement in this project is transferable to other cities. The connection between infrastructure, recreation, learning, biodiversity, food, well-being, water retention and other topics should not be looked at separately. Starting from a masterplan, different projects worked further upon each other strengthening the results and impact.
Within the Interreg 2 Seas project SCAPE, principles of Landscape Led Design were developed.
Further information
Learn more about the Gardens of Stene
Images
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
