Paving - also in Bocholt

The competition has ended!

Many thanks to everyone who submitted their projects via abpflastern(at)bocholt(dot)de! As soon as all entries have been approved by the competition organisers, the prize draw for the planting vouchers will take place.

Breaking up sealed surfaces, removing gravel
- shaping the future together

A gravel garden in front of a house — *© Fam. Kern*

Sealed surfaces made of asphalt, concrete, paving or even "gravel gardens" are bad for the climate, the water cycle and biodiversity. They cause urban heat islands, prevent rainwater from seeping into the ground and destroy habitats. Yet there are simple alternatives - and this is exactly where 'abpflastern' comes in .

What does 'abpflastern' mean?

'Apflastern' is a Germany-wide competition: towns and local authorities compete against one another to jointly unseal as many areas as possible. Every area that has been unpaved, unsealed or cleared of gravel counts - whether by private individuals, clubs, schools or businesses.

Campaign period 2026:

21 March to 31 October 2026
The local authorities with the largest areas of unsealed ground will win.

Why unseal?

Green roofs can do much more than just look good:

🌱 they cool down cities
💧 allow rainwater to seep away
🐝 create habitats for animals
🌍 store carbon and protect the climate

Sealed surfaces, on the other hand, exacerbate heat and flooding and put a strain on the drainage system. Unsealing surfaces therefore makes cities more resilient to climate change - and a better place to live for everyone.