Bocholt in April 2026: Climate and Environment in the Spotlight

Climate Protection as a Central Focus of Action in Bocholt

Climate protection remains a central pillar of municipal policy in Bocholt. With the goal of climate neutrality by 2040 and its anchoring in the Climate Protection Concept 3.0, the city is implementing concrete measures that are both environmentally friendly and economically sustainable. April 2026 brought several relevant decision-making processes and discussions in the areas of renewable energies, habitat improvement, and forestry policy.

Photovoltaics on the Former Landfill Site in Lankern

One of the largest projects discussed by the committee in April 2026 is the construction of a photovoltaic plant on the former landfill site in Lankern. The area of 11.05 hectares offers significant potential for electricity generation. With an estimated annual production of 10.4 million kWh, the plant could account for a substantial share of local electricity supply.

The city plans not to use the site itself, but to market it as a foundation for a partnership with an energy company. In doing so, Bocholt will remain in the role of lessor to minimize risks. The BEW (Bocholter Energie- und Wasserwirtschaft) will be involved in the planning, enabling close integration between municipal and regional energy policy.

Another advantage: The use of a former landfill as a site for renewable energy is a prime example of sustainable land use and urban redevelopment. This project could also serve as a pilot for other municipalities.

Tree Felling in the City Area – a Controversial Discussion

In April 2026, the felling of a 300-year-old oak tree in the Mussum Industrial Park sparked wide-ranging discussions. The SPD council faction criticized the decision and asked how future trees with ecological, climatic, and cultural significance should be treated.

The SPD faction’s inquiry (AF/38/2026) focuses on several central points:

• Legal possibilities for the protection of old trees
• Responsibilities in tree felling
• Public participation
• Planning of a tree protection ordinance
• Support programs for the preservation of valuable trees

The discussion shows that the treatment of urban green spaces is a sensitive issue in Bocholt. Old trees are not only cultural assets but also important CO₂ sinks and habitats for biodiversity. Replacement plantings can only replace these functions in the long term. The city will therefore increasingly come under pressure to develop clear regulations and protection mechanisms.

Ecological Measures at the Aasee: Nature Conservation and Citizen Participation

In April 2026, concrete measures for ecological improvement are underway along the western shore of the Bocholter Aasee. As part of the master plan “Future of the Bocholter Aasee,” new meadow areas, scattered orchard meadows, and a natural riverbank zone are being created. In addition, an observation platform is planned that promotes local recreation and also serves as an observation site for birdwatchers.

Funding is provided by various grant programs. For example, a large part of the costs for the extension of the natural riverbank zone (32,400 €) is supported by the district government. The planting of 30 tall-stemmed fruit trees is supported by the KfW with 15,000 €. These projects show how municipal initiatives can be supported by external funding to achieve ecological goals.

Conclusion: Bocholt as a Pilot for Climate Protection and Sustainability

April 2026 has shown that Bocholt is actively working on the implementation of climate goals. The city is using both municipal areas, such as the former landfill in Lankern, and municipal resources to advance climate protection. At the same time, the importance of green space and biodiversity is increasingly being recognized – not least through the controversial discussion about the felling of the old oak.

In the future, it will depend on how Bocholt coordinates these projects and how strongly citizens are involved in the planning process. The involvement of BEW, partnerships with energy companies, and the use of funding are already the right paths. In May 2026, Bocholt can show whether the political decisions of April will be implemented in concrete actions.