FACE CLIMATE FORESTS
THE NETHERLANDS
On our own land
Face the Future works all over the world to develop afforestation projects to mitigate climate change – also in the Netherlands. In fact, the first tree we ever planted was on our own land: when we were barely a year old, we planted our first ‘climate forest’ in Leeuwarden in the Netherlands.
Planting trees since 1992
At present, there are 24 locations in the Netherlands where more than 1,300 hectares of climate forest have been planted by or with help from Face. That is more than half of all the climate forest in the Netherlands. The largest Dutch climate forest financed by Face is located in Klazienaveen and covers 268.5 hectares. The smallest is in Zeijen and measures 9.8 hectares. The size of these forests illustrates the biggest difference with our projects abroad. Space for forests is a scarce commodity in the Netherlands.
Agroforestry
Therefore, in the Netherlands we work with a variety of parties, not only to plant new forests, but also to make land use more sustainable, and to combine forest with agriculture, such as planting trees in poultry yards.
The impact of our Dutch projects is diverse. Through the realisation of more than 1,300 hectares of new forests, which continue to capture and store CO2, we contribute to the Dutch government’s national climate goals. In addition, the mixed deciduous forest contributes to local diversity.
The Face forests are an integral part of the Dutch landscape. Face forests such as the Zeegbos in Arnhem, or the Leeuwarderbos are of great value to local residents and recreational users who like to walk in the forest, let their dogs out or go jogging. Furthermore, the Veteranenbos in Schaarsbergen is a place to honour Dutch war veterans, both living and deceased.
Het Leeuwarderbos
Locatie: Leeuwarden, Friesland
Area: 108 hectares
Planting years: 1992-1994
This is the first climate forest ever planted with financing from Face, as well as one of the first climate forests planted in the world. It is located on the northern side of the city of Leeuwarden. Over the years, the forest has matured and is well appreciated by residents of the neighbouring areas as a place for walking and other recreation.
Landgoed De Schipborg
Schipborg, Drenthe
Area: 125 hectares
Planting years: 1996-1997
De Schipborg forest was constructed as an estate. From the farmhouse, which was designed by famed Dutch architect H.P. Berlage, three vistas cut through the forest. The estate was originally owned by the Kröller-Müller family. At that time, the property was used for agriculture. The owner in the 1990s, Hindrik Goosen, developed the plan to plant forest, in part with climate financing from Face. The forest design works very well in combination with the farm. The estate is connected with the nature reserve. The Strubben-Kniphorstbos forest and the Drentse Aa river valley offer additional ecological benefits.
Veteranenlandgoed Vrijland
Location: Schaarsbergen, Gelderland
Area: 55 hectares
Planting years: 1996-1997
This estate, located in Schaarsbergen near the city of Arnhem, is focused on Dutch military veterans. Information can be found throughout the forest on Dutch military missions since the Second World War. It is managed by the Veteranenlandgoed Vrijland foundation. The forest was made possible with partial financing from Face.
Landgoed Nieuw Tivoli
Location: Siddeburen, Groningen
Area: 55 hectares
Planting years: 1996-1997
Landgoed Nieuw Tivoli is located in Groninger Land, an open landscape in the north-eastern part of the Netherlands, along the road from Delfzijl to Veendam. About one third of Landgoed Nieuw Tivoli is agricultural land. A climate forest was planted on the remaining land 20 years ago. Since then the trees have matured and grown large, 15 metres or even taller. The forest is a peaceful sanctuary in the open landscape. Larger wildlife such as deer and various bird species can be found here. Nieuw Tivoli is located in an interesting area. The northern side of the estate lies on a sandy ridge, while the southern side is dense clay bordering the Dollart Bay. Peat bogs have developed in some areas between these two extremes. The characteristic lines of the estate are due to the traditional parcelling of the land when it was first offered for sale.
