Het Wasven is committed to preserving its own living environment. Working together in nature creates synergy between the green and social domains. Participation in the community is central. During DDW we present our working method and put it into practice.
The World Tree is growing
The 'Spotted Southerner' was crowned the first World Tree in the Netherlands fifteen years ago. A plane tree in the Wasven with a podium that can live to be 1000 years old. A podium that protects the roots and is used for events, weddings and gatherings. The podium and part of the tree burned down. Volunteers set up crowdfunding, experts investigate the veteran tree. At the base of the trunk, shoots emerge that grow into a braided trunk. The crown is secured by pruning and providing a bypass; a trunk with substrate in which roots grow towards the root system. The prunings have been processed into objects by designers and artists over the past year and will be presented during DDW. The World Tree as a symbol of community spirit, across generations.
The greendomain is growing
Wasven is a nature reserve on the edge of Eindhoven in the Tongelre district. The green domain covers 24 hectares with a variety of cultural landscapes such as an estate forest and monumental avenues, heathland and fens, natural fields and butterfly meadows and a monumental farm house. Organic agriculture and ecological nature management go hand in hand; carried out by many volunteers and people with care needs. New ecotopes are also created through redesign and step-by-step management. For example, a nut orchard on rebates and a solar field with soft fruit are being created according to the Agroforestry method. It promotes biodiversity and climate adaptation. During DDW, company volunteers help with the construction and maintenance of new ecotopes in our green domain.
The Wasven is growing
In twenty-five years, Wasven has grown from an action group to a social enterprise. From the Wasvenboerderij, professionals, volunteers and people with care needs work on global goals such as sustainable communities, responsible food chain and biodiversity. In the chosen approach, the ecological-liberal philosophy of John Dewey, a sense of community is central by participating as an individual in the community. The Wasven method comes to life in a walking lecture; as an inspiring example for sustainable action in practice. We close DDW on Sunday with the ”Wasven Naturally” event, during which culture and nature meet in our garden. With music performances by the CKE, organic snacks and drinks, interactive information stands and green activities.
