Skip to content

Bremen sacrifices historic plane trees for stronger flood defences

A legal battle to save Bremen’s iconic trees ends in defeat. Now, flood walls rise where centuries-old plane trees once stood—sacrificed to storm surges.

This is the top view of a city, in front of the image there is a metal rod fence, at the bottom of...
This is the top view of a city, in front of the image there is a metal rod fence, at the bottom of the image there is some text, in this image there are buildings and a river.

Bremen sacrifices historic plane trees for stronger flood defences

Bremen will remove a row of plane trees along the Newstead Dyke to build a flood protection wall. The decision follows a legal ruling that rejected a local campaign to save the trees. Authorities say the upgrade is essential to guard against rising sea levels and storm surges caused by climate change.

The State Court of Justice dismissed a popular initiative aimed at preserving the plane trees. Judges ruled that the campaign conflicted with federal flood protection laws. These regulations give priority to securing dykes over keeping existing trees.

The removal of the trees will clear the way for stronger flood defences along the Newstead Dyke. Legal and technical assessments both support the decision, prioritising long-term safety over tree preservation. The project forms part of Bremen’s wider strategy to address climate threats and protect its residents.

Read also:

Latest