Natuurcentrum Arnhem is an educational center focused on nature and sustainability, featuring several locations designed for learning and discovery. These include two organically managed city farms, Stadsboerderij de Korenmaat and Stadsboerderij Presikhaaf, along with the Molenplaats Sonsbeek visitor center and the Heemtuin Presikhaaf, a native plant garden showcasing various regional ecosystems.
The city farms emphasize sustainable agricultural practices and the preservation of rare Dutch livestock breeds, including Lakenvelder and Blaarkop cattle, various chicken breeds, geese, goats, sheep, pigs, and horses. Visitors can learn about farm life and animal care.
Each city farm operates a shop that sells honest, local, and organic products. The selection typically includes vegetables (many grown on their own land, supplemented by regional organic produce), meat from their own animals, fresh eggs (from chickens, ducks, and turkeys), local honey, tea, jam, cheese, homemade juices, organic ice cream, and flour milled at the historic Witte Watermolen.
For a hands-on experience, Stadsboerderij de Korenmaat offers a picking garden where visitors can self-pick cheerful, unsprayed flowers during the months of August and September, specifically on Wednesday and Friday mornings. The farm also has fruit orchards and children’s gardens that yield vegetables and fruit, which are sold in the farm shops.
What visitors say
This self-picking farm and garden is widely celebrated as an excellent destination, particularly appealing to families with young children. Visitors consistently praise the diverse array of well-cared-for farm animals, including pigs (often featuring adorable piglets), goats that children can frequently interact with, cows, chickens, rabbits, and various other small livestock. The opportunity for children to observe, pet, and learn about these animals is a recurring highlight.
Beyond the animal enclosures, the farm boasts a popular and generally well-maintained playground. Described as spacious and offering a variety of equipment, including pedal tractors and bicycles, it provides ample entertainment for children of different ages. Complementing these attractions is a charming farm shop that offers fresh, local, and organic produce such as meat, honey, flower seeds, and cheese, along with refreshments like coffee and ice cream. The facility is situated in a pleasant setting adjacent to Presikhaaf Park, which features an insect garden and pleasant walking routes, contributing to its atmosphere as a peaceful oasis within the city.
The staff and volunteers are frequently commended for their kindness, helpfulness, and enthusiasm, fostering a welcoming environment. Guests also appreciate the convenient location, easy accessibility, and the added benefit of free parking and admission.
While feedback is overwhelmingly positive, a few areas for improvement have been noted. Recent reviews mentioned the playground was undergoing temporary renovation, and some suggested replacing older toy tractors. Occasional comments arose regarding a perceived lack of animal variety at certain times or limited refreshment options. One reviewer expressed significant concern over animal welfare, citing small enclosures and a lack of supervision, which led to children potentially mistreating piglets. However, this particular criticism stands in contrast to numerous other reviews that commend the clean, well-maintained facilities and the healthy appearance of the animals.