Nemoland: the secret of the Westerpark

Behind Westerpark, between two large fences, lies the best-kept secret of Amsterdam West: Nemoland. A green oasis. In this wondrous no man’s land, nature has taken over the reins. Initiator Peter says: “Children call it a dream forest.”Peter, an anthropologist by trade, remembers it vividly: “It all began in 1988, my wife and I started our ‘free walking project’. We were particularly drawn to the unpaved, unknown, and secluded paths. When we were given permission to use this piece of land, in a wild and natural environment uncommon for Amsterdam standards, Nemoland was born. Our goal is to advocate for sustainable, ecological development.”

Waterfee Swawa

“We combine a community garden where we grow all kinds of vegetables, herbs, and berries with a wild piece of nature: the forest garden around a peat pool, with a large biodiversity. We have built a forest hut there and a nature theater where we organize fairy tale walks for children. With my wife as the water fairy Swawa. When you walk around there, you feel like you are in a different world. Children often call it a dream forest.”

Handing out soup

“All is fully maintained by enthusiastic volunteers. Without them, we would not exist. Weekly, we share the harvest, soup, and natural dishes from our own garden in the park. We also offer other parties the opportunity to use our space, with nature as a source of inspiration. For example, there are Buddhist meditations, Shamanic training sessions, massages, Tai Chi, and sound concerts.”

Earth Center

“We have also set up something similar in Poland. There we have 36 hectares of natural area. With vegetable gardens, animals, forests, an orchard, and a storytelling pavilion, located in the Polish Giant Mountains. People can also stay here and contribute to further development. Our motivation? At the core of everything we do is: Rediscovering the spirit of the landscape and symbiosis with nature. Some time ago, I went to Burkina Faso to seek inspiration. In Africa, people live much more connected to the forces and myths of the earth. Our intention is to develop Nemoland as an Earth Centre, inspired by African customs. Can we handle all these activities? Nature always provides inspiration and strength. And when you see what can be achieved with the help of all those volunteers, it gives you so much energy, then almost anything is possible.”Interview: Jan Barnhoorn
Photos: Marleen Hoogkamp

Can I help in the community garden of Nemoland?

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