A 150,000 m² food forest in the middle of a residential neighborhood? In one of the
Netherlands’ largest cities, it’s reality. Initiated by its residents, the new Utrecht neighborhood
Rijnvliet has been turned into an urban food forest, featuring over 1000 (fruit) trees and 200
edible plant species. The design, by Felixx Landscape Architects & Planners and De Zwarte
Hond, balances ecosystem services, climate adaptation, and social cohesion, helping
residents reconnect with nature.
What started as a standard residential development project, evolved through a unique
participatory process into a climate-resilient, edible neighborhood. Strong collaboration
between residents and the municipality led to a landscape that fosters community, especially
during planting and harvest. The shared responsibility has made Rijnvliet healthier, more
connected, and more resilient.
Inspired by the food forest, residents plant edibles in private gardens and initiate educational,
recreational, and nature-inclusive projects. Each area of the neighborhood has its own
identity, with a central park uniting all forest layers. The park includes playgrounds, a soccer
field, and an outdoor classroom—all seamlessly integrated into the forest concept. Visitors
can explore, taste, and learn via street signs and an app.
The establishment of a dedicated maintenance team, provided by the municipality and
trained to properly care for the unconventional greenery, was crucial.
Beyond recreation, the 15-hectare forest improves water management, reduces heat, purifies
air, and enhances biodiversity. It demonstrates that edible landscapes can be replicated
anywhere—new or existing neighborhoods—with the right expertise. Rijnvliet proves that a
nature-inclusive, community-driven approach benefits everyone.
Credits
Location: Utrecht
Size: 15 ha
Client: City of Utrecht
Team: De Zwarte Hond (Masterplan Development), Felixx Landscape Architects and Planners (Landscape Design, Public Space), Æ Food Forestry Development (Food Forest Development), Anouk Vogel (Treetop Walk Design), Van Wanrooij (Developer), and of course, the residents of Rijnvliet.
mages by: Felixx, Jeroen Musch, Dirk Verwoerd, Hedayatullah Amid
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