Brussels, 19 September, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Brussels has launched Renature Time, a month-long programme featuring more than 100 free activities focused on nature and biodiversity across the Brussels-Capital Region. Brussels Environment confirmed the programme runs from 19 September to 18 October, with guided walks, workshops, cycling activities and events for families and children.
More than 100 free activities run across Brussels
The programme officially began on Saturday, with activities taking place across the Belgian capital.
Brussels Environment’s current event listings include a walk through the Geleytsbeek valley, a guided urban-nature walk and film screening in Molenbeek-Saint-Jean, a geocaching activity in Saint-Gilles and a visit to the Maximilien Park urban farm.
Other events during the coming weeks include mushroom walks, workshops, cycling trips and film screenings. Children can make seed bombs, investigate wildlife living in ivy and learn to build insect hotels.
All activities are free, although some require advance registration.
Heritage Days joins the opening weekend
For the first time, the nature programme is being held alongside Brussels’ Heritage Days for a joint opening weekend on 19 and 20 September.
Around 30 activities are included in the joint programme, connecting the capital’s natural environment with its architectural and cultural heritage.
Saturday’s programme includes a green-roof workshop and a Saint-Gilles geocaching route exploring urban plants, wild bees and pollinators. On Sunday, activities include walks through Schaerbeek and Fond’Roy Park in Uccle.
Real-time booking information on Saturday showed strong interest in some events. The Heritage Days website listed the Schaerbeek walk between the Church of Saint Servatius and Josaphat Park as fully booked for both Saturday and Sunday sessions.
Ans Persoons highlights importance of urban nature
Brussels Secretary of State for Environment and Climate Ans Persoons linked the programme to the importance of nature during periods of extreme heat.
“The scorching summer we have just experienced has once again shown how vulnerable, but also how important, our urban nature is,” Persoons said, according to Brussels news outlet BRUZZ.
In the official Brussels Environment announcement, Persoons also encouraged residents to use the programme to explore less familiar natural areas of the capital.
“We invite all Brussels residents to discover unexpected natural places in Brussels and experience our city’s nature differently,” she said.
Activities focus on Brussels biodiversity
The programme is designed to show that biodiversity exists beyond established parks and nature reserves. Visit Brussels says activities also focus on nature found in gardens, streets, walls and balconies.
One activity taking place today in Molenbeek examines how humans and wildlife coexist in central Brussels, with participants learning about local plants, small wildlife and measures that can help urban biodiversity.
Another event at Maximilien Park introduces visitors to an urban farm and its animals, vegetable garden, biodiversity projects and urban agriculture initiatives.
Free nature programme continues until 18 October
Renature Time continues until 18 October, meaning residents have four weeks to take part in events across the region. The programme includes activities for adults, families and children, although minors must be accompanied by an adult at designated events.
Brussels Environment advises participants to check individual event listings and registration requirements, particularly as some sessions are already reaching capacity during the opening weekend.
