"Together we bring back historic hedges"

At Zwanenburg Estate, Noortje and Eugene welcome enthusiastic volunteers. Eugène is the owner of the estate. Noortje's young cattle graze on his land. "We have switched to nature-inclusive farming" explains Noortje. "Together we want to make the landscape more beautiful!"

"We are going to plant a thousand metres of hedges" says Eugène. "With fifty volunteers, we started this." Noortje nods: "Hedges provide shelter for animals and improve the soil with their roots. They are indispensable for biodiversity."

The hedges are planted in the spirit of the original pattern. Noortje: "This way, we not only restore biodiversity, but also the historical cultural landscape." Eugène adds: "Within five to 10 years, we want to sustainably manage 100 hectares. These hedges are a first, promising step."

Around the farm, 30 hectares of herb-rich grassland have been sown with clover, chicory and narrow plantain, among others. "Those herbs improve the soil in a natural way," Noortje explains. "In the herb-rich grassland, we have planted bird chambers with flowers. These are important for birds such as the lark and partridge. The field edges are also blooming with flowers such as chamomile and red burnet. Good for bees and butterflies, among others!"

Noortje's sustainable ambitions extend beyond the hedges. She points to the barn roofs: "Those solar panels provide green electricity not only to our dairy farm but also to 14 nearby homes."

Noortje and Eugène look ahead with confidence. ‘The hedges are a first step towards further sustainability,’ says Noortje. Eugène: ‘Collaborations like this are crucial for a sustainable future.’ Noortje secretly hopes for a nice reward: ‘The return of the partridge would be fantastic.’