Ooit aan de Amer: A Collective Food Forest
Located in the municipality of Drimmelen, near the Biesbosch, Ooit aan de Amer is a collective nut and food forest spearheaded by Cédric Bousché. Together with co-owners, over 100 nut trees and various other trees, shrubs, and hedges have been planted to establish a thriving, community-driven food forest. The project emphasizes letting nature take its course while fostering biodiversity and carbon sequestration, with visible results from the very first year.
Key Features and Practices:
Carbon Removal and Biodiversity:
Planted 100 nut trees alongside smaller fruit trees, bushes, and a protective wind hedge in 2023.
No tilling; organic matter, such as straw, wood chips, and grass, remains on-site.
No use of pesticides or synthetic fertilizers.
Community Engagement:
The 100 nut trees are collectively owned by about 30 individuals, each contributing their unique farming practices while adhering to sustainable principles.
Biodiversity Boost:
A professional bee farm on-site enhances pollination and biodiversity.
This nature-social-creative project demonstrates how collective efforts can harmonize with ecological principles, creating a sustainable model for carbon removal and biodiversity enhancement.