The Health Department and The Technical and Environmental Administration in the Municipality of Hjørring are collaborating in the EU project EXPBIO to transform parts of the outdoor areas around the Health Care Center in Hjørring and Soldalhus Elderly Center in Sindal. The purpose is to provide better opportunities for people to be outside amongst native plant species while working out, going for a walk or doing other recreational activities. So, can large construction machines benefit both your health and the biodiversity?
Yes, we believe they can! At the Health Care Center, a skilled machine operator has just finished removing the nutrient-rich topsoil, where only a few plant species dominated. He has used it to form small hills that the health staff can use for rehabilitation of citizens etc. Subsequently, nutrient-poor sand has been spread (except in steep places where people being active will wear it down the most), and there will be planted and sown native plant species.
However, to give the plants a chance to establish themselves, the area will not be open for activity the next couple of years.
The Municipality of Hjørring is the only partner that focuses on the positive interaction between nature and our well-being. This focus originates from the nature and health policies of the municipality - and a belief that we can develop areas, that has the potential to increase human well-being and biodiversity at the same time.