German towns Datteln and Herten roll out biodiversity and tree‑watering programs

The city of Datteln in North Rhine‑Westphalia is testing a no‑mow area in the Höttingpark. Since May the meadow has been left unmown to promote species diversity and improve water retention as part of a new green‑space management plan funded with a €19,000 contribution.

In the neighbouring town of Herten, the municipal administration, together with the Recklinghausen district, is distributing free watering bags for street trees during dry periods. Each bag holds up to 75 litres and releases water slowly to the roots. The city, which maintains more than 8,200 street trees, also invites residents to adopt trees and provide ongoing watering support, complementing its regular tree‑watering fleet that can transport around 6,000 litres per trip.