Western Peat Meadows, the Netherlands

Using inspiration as a driver to regenerate peat meadows in the Netherlands

Fewer things are more typically Dutch than watery peat meadows, with sweeping green landscapes dotted with windmills, dairy cows and migratory birds. However, decades of intensification of farming and systemic water drainage in these meadows have resulted in biodiversity loss, increased carbon emissions and reduced income for local farmers. 

To tackle these challenges, Commonland founded Wij.land in 2016, which became an independent landscape organisation in 2018. Wij.land works with Natuurmonumenten, the Dutch Society for Nature Conservation, applying the 4 Returns framework to restore ecological functions and promote sustainable farming in the landscape.  

With a network of 160 active farmers, nature organisations, companies, and citizens, Wij.land inspires, facilitates, and accelerates the transition to a regenerative Dutch peat meadow landscape through sustainable business models.

“I am convinced that we will achieve much higher returns by investing in soil life and fertility than we would ever with mineral fertiliser.”

Monique van der Laan, local farmer on the organic De Beekhoeve farm

Vision

• Wij.land aims for a healthy, biodiverse and resilient landscape that creates ecological, economic and social value for future generations. Wij.land restores the balance between agriculture and nature by working hand in hand with farmers to help them shape their farming businesses for the future with passion and craftsmanship.

Challenges

• Low soil fertility due to intensive use of fertilisers and pesticides
• Reduced farmer income as a result of poor soil health
• Decreased soil water levels caused by systemic drainage
• Spike in carbon emissions because water-depleted soils no longer capture carbon
• Rise in the pricing of land for (regenerative) farming due to speculatory practices

Opportunities

• Inspire citizens and organisations to help Aardpeer purchase land to lease to farmers transitioning to regenerative practices (€10,1 million raised to date)
• Sow herb-rich grassland, which improves soil health and supports sustainable business models: cattle are better fed, leading to higher dairy quality
• Amplify regenerative, nature-inclusive dairy farming, which results in the same or higher incomes than the Dutch national average
• Sell carbon credits to yield revenue for farmers who increase carbon capture on their land (pilot underway with Rabo Carbon Bank and 10 farmers)