rssAug 29, 2026, 07:33

With a dune garden, you have a piece of National Park in your own backyard

PWN ranger Joeri Uilenreef is encouraging homeowners to create dune gardens in their backyards to support local nature and insect populations. Residents can use native plants to build drought-resistant landscapes that provide ecological benefits and practical advantages like improved temperature regulation.

Dune gardens offer a sustainable way for residents to support local biodiversity while creating resilient outdoor spaces. PWN ranger Joeri Uilenreef encourages homeowners to transform parts of their backyards into dune environments, highlighting how native plants like the evening primrose are well-adapted to dry conditions and provide vital support for insects like moths. These gardens not only foster local nature but also offer practical benefits for property owners.

Local resident Jessica van Doorn, based in Velsen, serves as an example by successfully integrating native flora into her property. She has expanded her efforts to include a green roof on her shed, which improves insulation, keeps indoor spaces cooler, and extends the lifespan of the roofing material. By utilizing resources from organizations such as IVN, which provides lists of native plant suppliers, individuals can easily adapt their landscapes to mirror the unique ecosystem of National Park Zuid-Kennemerland.

Culture Lifestyle Haarlem Netherlands

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Based on reporting by rss. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

Chatterbox Roderik connects people with each other

Roderik Schaepman has launched the Week of the Conversation, an initiative aimed at encouraging social interaction to combat loneliness and declining communication skills. By setting up designated spaces at locations like the Haarlem train station, he encourages people to overcome social hesitation through simple steps like greeting and complimenting strangers.

Old biscuit factory in Haarlem becomes haunted hotel for Halloween

The former De Volharding factory in Haarlem-Noord is being transformed into the Haunted Transue Hotel from October 28 to 31. Architect Adam Transue designed the attraction using recycled materials to provide an immersive Halloween experience for the public.

Watch out for the Spanish! This walk takes you back centuries in Haarlem

Haarlem will host a StoryTrail theater walk on October 18, where storyteller Franciscus will bring local legends and history to life for participants. The tour features tales of historical figures like Kenau Simonsdochter Hasselaer and requires advanced ticket bookings.

Looking for a friendly chat? Step into the yellow square at the station on Wednesday

To promote social connection, the Week of the Chat initiative is launching in Haarlem on October 14, featuring a designated yellow zone at the train station where people can meet for casual conversations. Inspired by research from the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the project aims to help individuals feel happier and less lonely by encouraging social interaction and boosting confidence.

Many students attend Pink Breakfast in Haarlem, but: "Purple Friday is under pressure"

On Purple Friday, students wore purple to support the LGBTI+ community, with a well-attended Pink Breakfast held at the Haarlem city hall. However, recent data shows a notable decrease in the acceptance of homosexuality among young people, and school organizers report that the day is facing increased pressure and scheduling difficulties.