450 trees
Celebrate not only the past but also the future! Leiden University and Stadslab Leiden invite you to enrich the city’s surroundings with 450 extra trees – a living tribute to 450 years of The Relief of Leiden and Leiden University.
The university is enthusiastically taking part by planting 15 trees and calls on everyone to plant a tree as well. This initiative will run throughout the tree planting season, until approximately 1 March 2025.
Will you join us?
Everyone can participate by planting a tree in their own garden or placing one in a pot on their balcony. Below, you’ll find out how!
Free tree collection
In January, young trees – known as saplings – can be collected free of charge from the Stadskamer at Nieuwstraat 7 (opposite the Library). This will be available on Saturdays 4, 11, 18 and 25 January, between 11:00 and 13:00.
Saplings can also be reserved via this online form. By appointment, trees can be collected from:
- De StadsKamer, Nieuwstraat 7;
- De BomenHub at Kinderboerderij in de Merenwijk, Parkzicht 100;
- The Bomenbox at The Field, Stationsplein 25.
Saplings range from 30 cm to 1.5 metres in height, with a maximum thickness comparable to a broomstick. Available native species include ash, maple, hazel, holly, cherry, rowan, hawthorn, dogwood, sweet chestnut, field maple, and walnut. (Requests for other species can be indicated on the form mentioned above.)
Although the stock of trees is substantial, some species are limited in number. Preferences will be honoured in order of submission. Specific information about the various tree species can be found here.
The available saplings have been harvested from beneath mature trees in Leiden’s parks. They cannot grow further in those locations due to a lack of light and space.
450 labels
Anyone collecting a sapling from the locations mentioned above will receive a label to hang on a branch. This label is made from a wooden disc, branded with the website www.450Bomen.nu, directing participants to the project site.
How to plant your tree
On the Stadslab website, you’ll find guidance on how, where, and why to plant your tree.