THE re-NATURE PRINCIPLE
re-NATURE, between heritage and nature
be-MINE may be an old industrial site, yet nature is not far away here. The underlying terills and grounds alone are a true attraction for plants and animals. But also on the site, much of the focus is on attracting and nurturing nature. We do this with a special approach, adapted to the uniqueness of the mine site. We have given that approach a name: re-NATURE.
re-NATURE puts local nature first and ensures that it has every opportunity to allow the planting, which is peculiar to the very specific subsoil of the site, to flourish. The end picture is pursued primarily through targeted management that helps guide nature, rather than furnish it. Diversity here is the key concept to success in the re-NATURE principles and is achieved by creating diverse conditions, many edges and transitions.
re-NATURE in practice
The subsoil of be-MINE is a combination of construction debris, the original sand and clay soils and the remains of mine debris. That stony material makes conditions harsh for plant growth. Nevertheless, quite a few vegetation types have established themselves on be-MINE. Due to the extreme conditions in which they grow, these are exceptionally strong plants.
be-MINEconsciously adapts its planting to these conditions:
- First, we plant trees and shrubs: the choice is tailored to the species that have already established themselves spontaneously on the site
- We sow the remaining areas with seeds of flowers and plants present at the mine site
- The grasses among these flowery vegetations develop spontaneously
The subsoil is also loosened and mixed, allowing for root growth and infiltration of rain. Thus, natural processes are given every opportunity to occupy the space.
In short, there-NATURE principle is ingrained in the vision of be-MINE.
Blue Deal
Furthermore, we are also committed to the Blue Deal, after all, be-MINE has been an example of water capture and buffering in the form of WADIs and play basins since the very beginning. The green space already acts today as a large sponge that can regulate the water balance both in drought and in heavy downpour outside; however, this is integrated in such a way that they are landscape play elements.
Thus, rainwater is an indispensable element in obtaining diversity. The park, which also acts as a sponge, provides buffering and infiltration across the site.
Wadi structures and infiltration zones.
How does it work?
- Rainwater falls on the roof
- This water is collected for reuse, consider irrigation of the be-NATURE core, among others.
- Thanks to gravity, water is drained into the park zone where it is given the opportunity to infiltrate
- Water will find its way toward the existing wadis and canal system on be-MINE
