What is a Food Forest Garden?

A Food Forest Garden has an area of approximately 30 square metres and consists of 30 different species. All species are perennial, meaning that they remain throughout the year and/or grow back every spring. From almond trees to blackberry bushes and from lemon balm to cola herb. All the trees, shrubs, ground cover plants, climbing plants and herbs in the food forest gardens are partly or entirely edible and provide healthy food. A Food Forest Garden is a wonderful place for butterflies, birds, bees, small mammals and people.

What does the educational material include?

The educational material is aimed at groups 6–7 (ages 8–11) and consists of:

  • What is a Food Forest Garden and how do you care for it?
  • Why is a Food Forest Garden good for nature, biodiversity, the climate and yourself?
  • Everything about edible plants
  • Experiencing nature
  • What can you harvest and what can you make with it?

In addition, there are Food Forest Garden Activity and Species Cards for all children at the school or out-of-school care centre.

What should I take into account?

  • You would like a Food Forest Garden and will take responsibility for managing the installation process yourself
  • You will incorporate the Food Forest Garden into the curriculum
  • The exact location for the Food Forest Garden:
  • Is in the sun
  • Has room for a garden measuring 3 x 10 or 5.5 x 5.5 metres
  • Is not beneath trees (too dry)
  • You are willing to appoint someone as the Food Forest Guardian (from your own location or the surrounding area)
  • You will make a financial contribution of €1,000
  • You will receive guidance during preparation and guest lessons
  • A landscaper will prepare the Planting Day and plant together with the children
  • Planting materials and a fence will be supplied
  • You guarantee the quality of the soil
  • Additional costs such as soil testing, moving play equipment, etc. will be borne by the location

Which municipalities?

IVN is looking for primary schools and out-of-school care centres in the eastern half of the province of Utrecht. IVN is particularly calling on locations in the municipalities of Amersfoort, Bunnik, Houten, Utrecht, Woudenberg and Zeist.

Sign up

Complete the registration form. In addition, send a number of photos of the current situation to [email protected]. Who knows, IVN may guide you and your location may soon have a real Food Forest Garden!