Voedselbos de Geeren is a living example of how regeneration starts with the soil. Located between the Diefdijk and the Culemborgse Vliet, this romantic food forest thrives in a historic Dutch polder where biodiversity and community go hand in hand.
Founded in 2021, Voedselbos de Geeren has transformed open farmland into a thriving food forest nestled within a Natura 2000 area.
Each year, new trees and shrubs are planted to expand the ecosystem, creating a diverse landscape that already produces almonds, peaches, black currants, barberries, apples, and pears.
This “romantic food forest” focuses not just on food production, but on connection and education: helping visitors rediscover nature’s rhythms. Through workshops, guided walks, and a magical Kabouterpad (Gnome Trail) for children, the forest invites people of all ages to experience the beauty of natural abundance.
Impact Stats (2024–2025)
🌳 2,500 trees and shrubs planted since 2021 across 1.4 hectares of land.
🌾 Over 500 different edible and native species including fruit trees, nuts, berries, and herbs: contributing to local biodiversity.
🪲 Located in a Natura 2000 area, actively supporting pollinators, soil life, and water retention.
👩🏫 Dozens of educational workshops and children’s programs, including the Kabouterpad nature trail.
🤝 A growing volunteer community supporting planting, maintenance, and harvest workdays.
Voedselbos de Geeren proves that food production and ecological restoration can coexist.
By working with nature instead of against it, the forest:
Restores soil health without pesticides or artificial fertilizers
Strengthens local biodiversity by planting native and edible species
Offers a space for learning, reflection, and community connection
Supports long-term climate resilience and a healthier planet
It’s a reminder that regeneration begins locally: with care, patience, and shared responsibility.
When you shop through Terry, a share of your purchase funds the planting of new trees and shrubs at Voedselbos de Geeren.
Your daily choices help expand this food forest, enrich biodiversity, and strengthen local ecosystems.
Example impact conversion:
€50 = 5 new edible forest plants (e.g., fruit trees, shrubs, or herbs)
100 Terry users = 500 new plantings supporting pollinators, wildlife, and people
Together, we grow forests that feed life, not deplete it.
Voedselbos de Geeren is led by Andrea Zierleyn, who has lived with her family along the Diefdijk since 1996. Her passion for sustainability and education fuels the foundation’s work in permaculture and regenerative agriculture.
Since 2024, the Kabouterpad has welcomed hundreds of children, while adults join for planting days, foraging walks, and seasonal workshops: all celebrating a hands-on connection with nature.
Watch their story: YouTube – Voedselbos de Geeren
Want to support Voedselbos de Geeren beyond your purchases?
🌳 Become a Friend: your monthly donation helps fund tree planting, maintenance, and education.
💪 Join as a Volunteer: help plant, harvest, or maintain the forest during community days.
📣 Spread the word: share the story of how local forests restore life and inspire others to act.
Voedselbos de Geeren is an officially registered non-profit foundation (Stichting) with ANBI status in the Netherlands.
All funds are used directly for expanding the food forest, supporting education programs, and promoting biodiversity and soil regeneration.
They publish regular updates, open volunteer days, and impact reports to ensure full transparency.
Support Voedselbos de Geeren with Every Purchase
Join Terry and help grow food forests for a healthier planet — one purchase at a time. Every transaction funds new trees, restores soil, and supports real regeneration.
