Ever Wildlife

Growing up on a small self-sufficient farm, I became aware of the value of nature around me. I've always liked being outdoors. Now, I live in the center of Rotterdam and still try to keep ecology in mind. A lot can be gained, especially here in the city, when it comes to rewilding spaces. How can we give nature a place again in a densely-populated area full of highways, houses and industry? The behavior and adaptability of people, animals and plants in the city fascinates me. Also how to consider fungi and bacteria, which you cannot see with your naked eye, but which have an indispensable place in the ecosystem! I see we humans as mammals that are still part of that same system and who depend on it. I enjoy exploring and promoting that idea. Everything I do is carried out with humble respect and with my very own curious enthusiasm.

Over the past two years, I have reactivated these roots by mainly working on green-blue topics. I have also taken part in relevant courses and training. I keep mirroring my knowledge in my practical life. Last year, I completed the Theory of Dutch Hunting exams. Subsequently, I went into the field with hunters and rangers to assist with counting stock, participating in hunts and general maintenance In this way I was able to examine the practical side of wildlife management. I also regularly join nature preservation clubs in activities such as monitoring bats, counting moths, transferring toads, measuring the quality of surface water... you name it! During such actions I learn more about specific species, behavior and habitats.

I recently took extensive ‘Agroforestry’ and 'Ecogardening' courses, where I learned the basics: how to analyse soil, how permaculture works and ecological succession. By also volunteering in a food forest, I learn about practical things such as plant determination, nutritional value, use in the kitchen and also the medicinal use of certain species. With ecogardening, I learn about things including seed quality, crop rotation, grafting and composting. In addition to that, I am studying how to involve kids in the seasonal needs and wonders of a vegetable garden. It’s fun to see yourself in a child and to feel the awe all over again. With this broad knowledge and interest, I am affiliated with the 'Groen010' network and as a 'Ranger' in the network of 'Nationaal Park Rotterdam'. In these networks I meet like-minded entrepreneurs and activists that help each other build on a mission: a biodiverse and climate-adaptive city!

What do I do? I am involved in a sustainable direction with a social component, and you can find me in all kinds of urban spaces, busy with constructing and planting. I currently partner in urban greening projects, where we create community and facade gardens, resque plants, and install rainwater barrels, nesting boxes, and what not. Like this, we transform public space together with residents of all ages. By helping out and putting some effort into it, the locals bond with the transformation and adopt the result in the most natural way.

What's in the future? Firstly I got more aware and knowledgeable about natural processes, and more curious about how I can make my own designs. So excited about were this journey will take me. Will I head into an art direction again, creating beauty and meaning for humans in nature? Or will I go more functional with offering the best possible habitats for wildlife over all? For now, all in my scope, looking for ideals. Next to that creating of content, I would love to work more strategically. I love to organise, to set a goal and reach for it. I am easy with connecting to people, and with connecting people to each other. It’s energising to realise that I am not the only one with green dreams.