Regulation Flower and herb-rich field edges municipality of Leudal

To increase biodiversity, seed mixtures were distributed to farmers and landowners in the outlying area for a Flower and Bird Rich Field Edge in 2024 in several municipalities, including municipality of Leudal, thanks to an initiative of the Rural Cooperative.

Within municipality Leudal we saw that there was a lot of interest among farmers and landowners, over 21,000 m² of seeds were sown that year at 58 participants. 

Unfortunately, the cooperative stopped this project, causing it to come to a halt in 2025. But municipality Leudal would like to pick up this initiative again, in order to ensure together a bright and biodiverse outdoor area in the municipality.
By 2026 we would like to make native seeds available again for sowing on marginal edges, overhangs, fallow plots and other places.

Note: This scheme cannot be used for mandatory landscape retrofits or other grants.

Regulation

Again, we want to offer the choice of several types of native mixtures:

  • Annual ,native flower and herb mixture for attracting bees, butterflies and other insects;
  • Perennial ,native flower and herb mixture for attracting bees, butterflies and other insects;
  • Annual winter food mixture with herbs for attracting field birds. This provides added value of bees in the flowering period, as winter food for field birds and overwintering of various insects;
  • Perennial winter food mixture with herbs for attracting field birds. This provides the same opportunities for insects and field birds as the annual mixture, but will return the next year on its own. 
Perennial and annual field edge mixture
Perennial and annual field edge mixture

Requirements

To participate in this scheme, the following Requirements apply:

  • The plot is located within the outlying area of the municipality of Leudal;
  • The field edge is at least 6m wide;
  • The area shall not exceed 50are;
  • The management unit is at least 100 m² in size;
  • No chemical weed control;
  • Keep in mind the cadastral boundaries;
  • If the field edge borders a road verge, the road verge should be respected.
     

Fixtures and management

The seed mixtures can be sown from February through May or August through October. 

Seedbed recommendations:

  • (Multiple) false seedbed (extra tillage just before seeding)
  • Shallow seeding

Sowing recommendations

  • Do not sow too early, recommendation is early May

Flower and herb borders sown in February/May 2026 should remain in place until March 2027 at the latest, when sown in August/October 2026 should remain in place until March 2028. Leaving the crop standing until spring is preferred because then during the winter the border still serves a function as cover and food source for mammals, birds and insects.
 

Participation and fees

Participation is completely free. The seeds will be provided and distributed by the municipality of Leudal.
If you want to contribute to greening and biodiversity in municipality Leudal, please sign up before December 14, 2025.

Sign up directly

The distribution of the seed mixtures will take place Feb. 26, 2026 from 3 p.m. at the town hall; Leudalplein 1, Heythuysen. Information about this will follow in due course.
 

Nature-rich Limburg subsidy scheme

For farmers who aspire to flower and herb-rich field edges in the long term, there are opportunities to obtain management subsidies. See the website of Natuurrijk Limburg, to see if you qualify. 

Practical information about these grants in easy language can be found on the FarmersNatureWijzer website.