Voedselbos Sieradenbuurt is a community-managed food forest and nature area located in Almere, Netherlands. Spanning 5.5 hectares, this green space was developed in partnership between the local residents’ platform and the municipality, transforming a planned oak and ash forest into a diverse, edible landscape. Designed according to permaculture principles, the area serves as a space for urban agriculture, recreation, and education, and is one of the first food forests of its kind within a Dutch city.
The food forest is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. While there is no formal self-pick operation in the traditional farm sense, the forest is rich in edible plants and fruits. Visitors may find produce such as apples, cherries, berries, plums, nuts, and herbs growing throughout the seasons. The site includes areas with fruit trees, nut trees, berry bushes, and herb mounds. Guided tours are occasionally organized to help identify what is available and when. Community work days, such as willow pollarding along the Maurice Garinpad, take place on the second Saturday of the month from November through March, typically from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Other regular green maintenance activities on the herb mounds occur on Tuesday mornings from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM during good weather. The location is wheelchair accessible, with accessible parking and entrance available.
What visitors say
This community-driven initiative is highly regarded as an inviting and inspiring space, described variously as a beautiful local park, a nascent 5.5-hectare permaculture food forest, and a vibrant herb garden. Maintained by local residents, it offers visitors the unique opportunity to pick a variety of fresh herbs, fruits, and produce for personal use, all free of charge. Many appreciate its unexpected size, diverse offerings, and pleasant atmosphere, making it ideal for leisurely walks, children’s play, and dog outings. Facilities like a barbecue/fireplace add to its community appeal, and free, easy parking is a welcome bonus.
While generally positive, some visitors offer constructive criticism. There’s a sentiment that the area currently functions more as a park with edible plants than a fully realized, multi-layered food forest. A notable concern is the issue of dog owners not cleaning up after their pets, with droppings often concealed in the tall grass, which unfortunately deters some from returning. Additionally, a few express disappointment over instances of over-harvesting by some individuals, who take excessive amounts of produce, leaving little for others. Recent construction activities have also been mentioned as a slight drawback.