EcoErf Vathorst North
Introduction
Everyone would like there to be an attractive area to go for a walk in the Vathorst district; a scenic area, an area that has meaningful appeal for the residents of Vathorst, an area that fits in with the council scheme and is also a transitional area towards the National Landscape of Arkemheen Eemland. The task is clear. How we achieve it is not at all clear. EcoErf offers a perspective to all parties; a new multifunctional rural undertaking that meets all the requirements but costs far less!
EcoErf
A new concept that offers a solution to three challenges:
- management of an attractive landscape.
- sustainable living and working.
- reconnecting consumer and manager so that management remains affordable.
Vathorst North
The requirements of the town-council of Amersfoort for Vathorst North are clear:
- a continuous green recreational area of 145 ha
- accessible to the residents of Vathorst
- preventing recreational pressure on polder Arkemheen and the Hoevenlakense forrest.
- a good transition of this landscape to the National Landscape.
EcoErf Vathorst North
We all know that the costs of the management and upkeep of a green area often causes a problem, with the added risk that we do not attain the quality desired. For this EcoErf offers a solution.
EcoErf can attain the requirements with lower upkeep charges. How is that possible? EcoErf is not the classical manager of a terrain. EcoErf is a social network undertaking that links the residents to management (the residents become the managers). And added to this, EcoErf Vathorst Noord can also generate income.
In a nutshell EcoErf would:
- control one or more “chambers”
- build Ecovillas on one or more of the (existing) farms.
- nett no comsumption of fossil fueles (the Ecovillas are energy neutral).
- actively involve residents from the Vathorst district in management.
- be an example for other communities regarding the innovative and multifunctional management of a meaningful suburban area.
Combinations
Numerous combinations are possible:
- landscape and recreation
- city farming; orchards; fruit-gardens, vegetable gardens
- keeping of livestock; for keeping the grass short and for the production of biologically healthy meat.
- full day care for clients in heathcare
- small scale business i.e. a tea-garden
- rest and meditation centre such as the proposed in “de Kloostertuin”
- (tranquil) art and culture
- exploitation of a (swimming and skating) pond
Our recommendation to the municipal council is to examine the possibilty of the EcoErf concept and to have a business case made. Because of the innovative character of EcoErf co-financing is possible.