INCLUSIVE ORCHARD

Lage Weide is one of the areas in the fragmented Charloisse LageDijk (CLD) Zone that has become isolated from the cultural-historical Charloisse Lagedijk and its hinterland. An urban fringe that in recent decades has been filled with typical urban fringe functions such as sports fields, forest complexes and industrial estates, and is crossed by various heavy infrastructures.

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The “ASVZ” project is the first phase of the development of a neighborhood in Charlois Lage Weide. In an effort to take the first step in uncovering the tangle of the CLD zone, this neighborhood for mentally handicapped and mentally challenged people will be embedded in an apple-cherry orchard that will thrive on the old sea clay bed.

The uncompromising reintroduction of regional horticulture takes root in the pragmatic old-Dutch cultural landscape, exposing an intrinsic identity. In contrast to the traditional production orchard, however, it contributes more emphatically to the local natural values. By alternating intensive mowing management under the trees with extensive mowing management, a true insect paradise is created by way of a robust herb layer that promotes pollination of the fruit trees. Pruning waste is destroyed in wood rills and a veritable stone marten highway is being built into the southern edge from which the martens can reach their favorite fruit trees via tunnels.

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The orchard is co-managed by the gardeners' college Lenitz from Barendrecht for education purposes, and the patients are included in the harvest together with the local organic farm. In this way the true landscape is restored, the natural values ​​are strengthened and a normally isolated group of people is included in the environment.