Project information

Name of food forest

World Food Forest Bunde

Description

Welcome to our World Food Forest in Bunde—a living ecosystem full of edible plants, trees, and shrubs, inspired by the natural structure of a forest. Our food forest was designed with respect for biodiversity, sustainability, and abundance, and fosters a harmonious partnership between people and nature, with the theme: a journey around the world in a single forest. Our food forest is unique in that it brings together standard and dwarf fruit trees from all corners of the world. Every tree and shrub tells a story—of ancient cultures, traditional cultivation methods, and forgotten flavors. In this way, we create not only a source of food, but also of wonder and connection. Standard fruit trees from around the world: The majestic Limburg standard trees form the backbone of the forest. They provide shade, shelter, and food for people and animals. • Dutch varieties such as the Goudreinet, Notaris apple, Reine-Claude plum, and various cherry varieties offer familiar flavors grown right here at home. • Mediterranean region: figs, mulberries, and almonds bring sun-kissed aromas. • Asian varieties such as Japanese loquats (loquats), persimmons (Diospyros kaki), quinces (Cydonia oblonga), and Japanese black plums (Black Amber – Prunus domestica) add an exotic touch. • American classics such as the black walnut (Juglans nigra) and pawpaw (Indian papaya—Asimina triloba) surprise with unfamiliar flavors. Low-stem fruit and shrubs: Among the trees, you’ll find a rich array of low-stem fruit and berry shrubs that build up the forest in layers and guarantee a continuous harvest. • Berries from northern climates such as rosehip (Rosa canina), black currant (Ribes nigrum), blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea), and chokeberry (Aronia). • Tropical accents such as Chilean guava, Mexican tomatillos, and Chinese gooseberry. • Mediterranean species such as pomegranate (Punica granatum), olive-leaved willow (Elaeagnus), and strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo). • Native edible species such as hawthorn, rowan, and hazel provide biodiversity and food for wildlife. A system teeming with life Our food forest operates on natural principles: no pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, but rather a symbiotic relationship between plants, fungi, insects, and birds. It is a place where soil life thrives, pollinators flourish, and people can learn, harvest, and enjoy. We currently have 10 volunteers. In addition to all kinds of fruit trees, we also grow common vegetables such as tomatoes, potatoes, beans, and asparagus, as well as a wide variety of flowers, including dahlias, sunflowers, and more. It’s important to note that large quantities of vegetables are donated to the food bank in Meerssen. Some of the fresh vegetables are turned into soup or curries under the guidance of chef Rob Stallenberg. Another educational aspect is that every year, students from the local school, De Bundeling, are given a guided tour of the WVB. They learn about different varieties of apples, pears, tomatoes, and Chinese peppers. Each student is allowed to take home a piece of fruit or vegetable, which is then used back at school to prepare a communal meal. Finally, the forest is bordered by a so-called “double Limburg hedge” consisting of 10 different types of hedge plants, including hawthorn, hornbeam, and rosehip. A wide variety of pine trees has also been planted near the forest, such as blue spruce, Scots pine, Korean pine, and Douglas fir, all flanked by wild chestnut trees. Within our WVB, we see pheasants, partridges, buzzards, voles, hares, and swallows. On the initiative of Duurzaam Meerssen, a little owl box and a kestrel box have been installed. A pair of kestrels has been observed in the kestrel box.

Square metres:

12000

Type of soil

Clay soil