Natuurtuin Diddersgoed

Description

In the middle of Veenendaal-West lies Diddersgoed, a nature garden demonstrating ecological green-space management. Limited intervention has produced a rich site with plants, birds, small mammals, fish, insects and butterflies.

History

Its name refers to the sixteenth-century Diddersgoederen, peatlands between Ruisseveen and the Grift. IVN and Groei & Bloei volunteers drew up plans for a demonstration garden in 1985. By early 1992 the vegetation could be planted.

Nature & layout

Management is extensive and avoids chemical pesticides. The soil is kept nutrient-poor for wild plants, while pollarded willows, banks, grassland and standard fruit trees receive only necessary manual care.

Visitor information

To give wildlife sufficient peace, the garden is normally closed. From February through October it opens free of charge on the last Sunday of each month from 3 to 4 p.m. Check in poor weather whether the opening goes ahead.

Did you know?

The contrast is striking: an ecologically managed nature area sits directly within a residential district. During monthly openings, soil animals, frogs and salamanders can be discovered close to home.