“Nature is always calming”

Photo: Huub Zeeman

November 6, 2017Every month, Jan Barnhorn, a volunteer at VCA, interviews another volunteer. He is looking for the motivations of these people. This month, Jan meets Edith Otten. She has been wholeheartedly dedicated to the Heemtuin in Sloterpark for years.Edith (49) arrives cycling on a radiant Friday afternoon, just after her activities in the Heemtuin Amsterdam in the Sloterpark. “There is always something to do!”Log CookiesThe Heemtuin was started in 1975 as part of the Sloterpark. Meanwhile, an area of ​​two hectares has been created here with a varied mix of forest, peat soil, ponds, shores, reed beds, heathland, and marl hills. Including an exciting network of paths with branch piles, stacked tree trunks, and a protected bird island!

“I always liked this part of the park as a local resident. The Heemtuin has been managed by William Frohn from the beginning. I met him by chance about fourteen years ago and we immediately clicked. When William retired, he asked me to take care of the garden. I have become more and more active and now, after years of being a hobby, the Heemtuin has also become a part-time job. Which I am super happy about.”Healing GardenThe former manager William Frohn was a permanent employee of the municipality, retired in 2014. Since then, maintenance has been carried out by volunteers from the Heemtuin Amsterdam Foundation in collaboration with municipal green workers (they work there one day a week).

“About a year and a half ago, a foundation was established to better represent the interests of the Heemtuin.” Edith is the secretary. “You can also see the Heemtuin as a healing garden. Stress, burnout, depression. A walk always brings peace.”Guided Tours“Nature is always calming. I feel privileged to be able to stand so close to it. Nowadays, I am active in the Heemtuin for about three to four sessions per week. I coordinate and guide the volunteers and people on benefits. I also give tours.” Edith has completed a course at the IVN (Institute for Nature Education and Sustainability) and is also active as a nature guide for the Amstelveen department.

“And there is a lot of wildlife in the garden. Kingfishers, birds of prey, a fox den. Fantastic, and all so close to home. The garden is currently somewhat neglected and actually requires a lot of extra maintenance. Additional volunteers are always welcome. And we have already gained four extra volunteers through VCA. We are happy about that.”

“Anyway, I hope to be able to do this for a long time. I enjoy contributing to the maintenance and care of nature!” And I can understand that when I look around after the conversation.

Interested in becoming a volunteer at the Heemtuin Amsterdam?

View the job openings here.Text: Jan Barnhorn