The meeting in Tolkmicko dedicated to the implementation of the CONE project was another step in the preparation of the pilot deployment of Nature-Based Solutions. The discussions focused on the organisation of activities and the subsequent stages of the investment, which is intended to combine environmental, educational, and social functions within the local space.

On 23 June 2026, a project meeting was held in Tolkmicko concerning the implementation of a pilot action under the CONE project, co-financed by the Interreg Central Europe programme.

The event gathered project partners, experts, and representatives of local institutions and stakeholders involved in the process of preparing and implementing the investment. The meeting had a working character and formed part of the ongoing coordination of activities related to the pilot implementation in Tolkmicko.

The pilot action carried out in Tolkmicko represents an integrated demonstration of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) aimed at supporting climate change adaptation and improving the management of stormwater in urban areas. The project combines infrastructural, educational, and participatory components, creating a coherent implementation model that can be replicated in other municipalities and cities in the region.

The central element of the initiative is the construction of a rain garden at the Primary School named after Mikołaj Kopernik in Tolkmicko. The facility performs retention and infiltration functions, enabling temporary storage and natural treatment of stormwater. This solution is aligned with the green infrastructure approach and serves as a practical example of local-scale climate adaptation measures.

The pilot also includes infrastructural improvements to enhance site accessibility and integrate the new space with the existing school grounds and sports infrastructure. An important component of the project is the creation of an educational space enabling the presentation of Nature-Based Solutions, including activities supporting environmental education as well as on-site informational and interpretative materials.

The project is implemented according to the Living Lab methodology, which assumes active involvement of end users and stakeholders in the co-creation and testing of solutions. This approach enables better alignment of activities with local needs and strengthens the social embeddedness of the investment.

The CONE project is implemented by an international partnership, including, among others, APC ERB and GUT, which support the development and implementation of Nature-Based Solutions in the Central Europe and Baltic Sea regions.

The pilot action in Tolkmicko serves a demonstrative function and constitutes an example of NBS implementation in the context of a small town. The experience gained will form the basis for further knowledge exchange and the potential replication of solutions in other locations.

The implementation of the project is part of a broader process of transforming approaches to stormwater management and the design of public spaces in the context of climate change. The integration of green infrastructure, educational activities, and public participation enables the creation of solutions that are durable, functional, and responsive to local needs. The pilot action represents an important step towards building more resilient and sustainable cities and municipalities in the Central Europe region.

From June 9–12, 2026, as part of the CONE project, representatives from Wejherowo, Sztum, Tolkmicko, STG ERB, and Gdańsk University of Technology took part in a study trip to Hungary and Slovenia, serving as experts in the assessment and evaluation of pilot projects developing nature-based practical solutions. The purpose of the visit was to exchange experiences, summarize and coordinate project activities to date across five Central European countries, and learn about best practices and pilot nature-based solutions.

In Budapest, we had the opportunity to learn about solutions that enhance urban resilience through the use of trees and the impact of creating green spaces in urban areas, particularly during periods of high temperatures and water shortages.

In Jászberény, we learned about methods for combating the forces of nature, retaining water in reservoirs and the tributaries of the city’s river, which help increase cities’ resilience to the effects of drought and extreme weather events.

We then visited Studenice, where local authorities presented measures to mitigate the effects of river flooding and prevent bank erosion.

We are particularly pleased that the trip was attended by representatives of local governments who are implementing and planning dedicated solutions in their communities; we believe that the knowledge and experience gained will be utilized in future initiatives, making our cities and municipalities more sustainable and resilient

These were two intensive days filled with inspiring meetings, the exchange of experiences, and practical knowledge on climate change adaptation and nature-based solutions.

On June 8, 2026, an important agreement was signed by Doctor Michał Missan, Chairman of the Board of the Association of Polish Municipalities of the Baltic Euroregion. The agreement concerns the transfer, in the form of a loan, of real estate by the authorities of the Municipality and Town of Tolkmicko to the Association for the purpose of constructing a rain garden as part of the CONE project.

As part of the project, a rain garden will be created on the grounds of the Nicolaus Copernicus Elementary School in Tolkmicko. The project is being implemented as part of the NBS (Nature-Based Solutions) pilot program titled “Design and construction of a rainwater infiltration drainage system along with planting greenery using the Living Lab method,” co-financed by the Interreg Central Europe Program 2021–2027.

The idea behind the project is to create rain gardens in urbanized areas, transform public spaces, and develop the site in collaboration with residents, using NBS solutions and the “living lab” method.

As part of the project, in addition to the construction of a rain garden, a walkway will be built in the passageway between the school building and the sports hall, which will facilitate access to the garden for students and residents. Furthermore, a sensory path and informational signs presenting nature-based solutions (NBS) will be installed.

An important element of the pilot project will also be co-creation workshops for Tolkmicko residents, involving active participation in the creation of the rain garden. Their goal is to raise public awareness regarding the rational management of water resources and to promote nature-based solutions.

What the rain garden will look like.

The rain garden will be constructed as a depression in the ground (an infiltration basin) approximately 30 cm deep. Its primary function will be to temporarily retain stormwater, pre-treat it through filtration in the soil layers, and allow it to gradually seep into the ground.

The adopted solution aims for a system that is as natural as possible, without interfering with the existing soil layers below the plant growth zone. Infiltration will occur directly into the native soil. There are no plans to disturb deeper geological layers or to install a watertight lining at the bottom of the garden.

The surface area of the rain garden basin will be approximately 180.5 m². Rainwater will be directed to the garden via a gutter system constructed as an open, impermeable channel. The channel will be made of durable materials resistant to water and weather conditions.

The bottom and slopes of the channel will be properly contoured to ensure stable water flow toward the rain garden. To reduce flow velocity, flow-retarding elements, such as protruding stone blocks, will be used. The channel will also serve an aesthetic and landscape function, blending harmoniously into the site’s design.

A stabilizing layer of washed gravel will be placed at the bottom of the basin. Below this will be a vegetation layer approximately 30 cm thick, consisting of a mixture of fertile soil and washed sand.

These layers will provide suitable conditions for plant growth and enable effective retention and infiltration of stormwater.

The system will not rely on the storm sewer system as the primary stormwater outlet. Any emergency solutions are intended solely for extreme rainfall events.

Plantings

As part of the project, plantings will be carried out within the rain garden and its immediate surroundings. Shrubs and ornamental perennials that tolerate periodic flooding from rainwater and meltwater will be used.

The selection of species will take into account resistance to both excess moisture and periodic droughts, as well as urban conditions. Plant compositions will be designed to ensure high aesthetic value throughout the year, thanks to the variation in plant height, texture, and flowering times.

The project has been divided into two phases:

Phase I – development of the technical design and planning of the rain garden

This phase was completed in May 2026.

Phase II – construction work and planting.

Completion of this phase is scheduled for the end of October 2026.

Construction of a passageway in the connecting corridor between the school and the sports hall

As part of the project, a passageway will also be constructed in the connecting corridor between the school building and the sports hall, facilitating access to the rain garden.

Co-creation workshops for residents, a sensory path, and informational signs.

As part of the project, co-creation workshops for Tolkmicko residents will be held in September, including joint planting of plants in the rain garden area. These activities aim to familiarize residents of the town and municipality of Tolkmicko with the concept of rain gardens, their functions, how they work, and their importance in increasing cities’ resilience to the effects of climate change.

The project will also include the installation of informational signs and a sensory trail, designed to showcase nature-based solutions and their environmental significance.

All work related to the project is scheduled to be completed by October 31, 2026, at the latest. The total cost of constructing the rain garden and its accompanying elements is approximately 140,000 PLN.