‘Tile whipping’ is more commonly known as de-paving. This is when hard surfaces, like tarmac or paving slabs, are removed and exchanged for natural surfaces that rainwater can drain into.
The term comes from the Dutch word 'tegelwhippen', where they hold a national de-paving competition across the Netherlands to replace tiles with plants and wildlife.
What are the benefits?
Hard surfaces like tarmac and paving slabs block water from filtering into the soil. Rainwater then collects pollution like litter and chemicals, transporting it rapidly into our precious ponds, rivers and streams.
Removing hard surfaces like these slows the flow of water going into drains which reduces the pressure on them during storms and heavy rainfall. It also means this water can recharge our groundwater supply, create areas of habitat for wildlife, and removes pollutants from the water as they get trapped in the soil.
Wildlife can thrive in natural surfaces like soil - even in gravel more insects can find a home! Not to mention that greenery often looks a lot better than grey, what do you think?
What can I do at home?
Have you got paving slabs or tiles on your patio, outside your office, or on your drive? Could you remove any to help wildlife thrive?
Most slabs, tiles and paving bricks are easy to remove, and you only need to remove one to make a difference! You can replace tiles with grass, shrubs, or even gravel as it still helps!
We would love everyone across Gloucestershire to get involved in whipping some tiles at home or at work, but in Stroud, we’ve teamed up with Stroud District Council to help you do your own de-paving at home. In September and October this year we’ll be offering free tile collection from your house to make it so much easier for you to get involved.
Free collection of hard surfaces is available on a first come, first served basis, subject to availability. To see if you qualify for the free collection please fill in the form at the bottom of the page. It is limited to 2m2 of de-paved area. See here for full terms and conditions.
As it's the first year of us doing this campaign, we've limited where we do this across the district to trial how it goes. Properties inside the red line in the map below are applicable to get involved under the free collection scheme.
How do I join the tile whipping campaign?
- Decide what area and where you would like to de-pave (up to 2m2 for free collection)
- Fill in this online form to take part
- We’ll review your submission to check it meets the collection requirements
- We'll get in touch with guidance and information about the collection of your lifted hard surfaces
- You can then de-pave the way for wildlife! Plant some plants and have some fun!
If you're outside of the campaign area, but want to get involved, you can upcycle the tile waste you create, or take it to your local Household Recycling Centre where it can be recycled under 'DIY waste, rubble and building materials'.
We will be publishing full guidance on how to do de-paving soon.
The Dutch National Tile Removal Championship website 2026