Rijnvliet, Edible Neighborhood

A 150,000 m² food forest in the middle a residential neighborhood? In one of the five largest cities in the Netherlands, this has become a reality. Initiated by its residents, the new Utrecht neighborhood Rijnvliet has been turned into an urban food forest, with more than 1000 (fruit) trees and 220 species of (edible) flora. It’s a place where enhancement of ecosystem services, climate adaptation measures and promotion of social cohesion come together. The design, by Felixx Landscape Architects & Planners and De Zwarte Hond, aims for ultimate balance between humans and nature, helping residents reconnect with their surroundings. When neighbors and residents proposed an urban food forest for Rijnvliet, the municipality embraced their initiative and included it in the design phases. Together with the municipality, residents, and Æ - Food Forestry Development, a special concept for the public space has been developed: all greenery is edible for humans, animals or insects. slider   Seven layers of the Food Forest  The realms are built up with multiple layers of plants, together forming an integrated ecosystem. The different vegetation types and species attract insects and organisms that enforce each other. There are seven layers: The canopy, consisting of original and planted large trees. Low trees, consisting of smaller trees or half-standards. Shrub layer of fruit and berry bushes. Herb layer of multiannual vegetables and herbs. Soil covers, a layer of plants that spread horizontally. Underground layer of plants that produce roots or tubers. Climbers, a vertical layer of climbing plants.             In addition to its edible and recreational benefits, the greenery also enhances the area's ecosystem services, such as water management, heat reduction, and air purification. The neighborhood employs innovative climate adaptation measures and Nature-Based Solutions, including an amphibian pool, water retention areas, and integrated rainwater infiltration systems in the paving. Overall, it offers a rich natural experience, fostering biodiversity and providing habitats for birds, bats, and other species. A bird island, left undisturbed and accessible only by water, allows birds to breed peacefully without human interference. Crucial to the success of this project was the establishment of a dedicated maintenance team, trained by the municipality to care for the unique greenery. Since the vegetation is designed in multiple layers that form an integrated ecosystem, it requires specialized care and management to ensure its longevity. Participatory Co-design What truly makes Rijnvliet an enjoyable and edible environment are the engaged residents. They organize local markets, host jam-tasting events with fruits they've personally picked, and bake pizzas with herbs grown in the neighborhood. The food forest principle extends into private gardens, where residents plant their own edible greenery. Various educational, recreational, and nature-inclusive initiatives have been launched, such as guided tours and wild-picking courses. These activities continually add new value to the original design. Local children are involved in the food forest by participating in tree planting days, and the nearby school has even appointed a 'food forest teacher' to offer lessons about the edible neighborhood. New residents receive a cookbook to help them use the local, edible plants in their daily lives. Beyond residents, passersby and visitors are also welcome to move freely throughout the neighborhood, sampling the diverse offerings. Public amenities like the soccer field and playgrounds are also freely accessible to everyone. The good news is that the food forest model can be applied in both existing and new neighborhoods. By planting a diverse range of edible plants in multiple layers, this concept can be replicated elsewhere with the expertise of the right professionals. Rijnvliet stands as a prime example of a healthy living environment where nature inclusion has been thought about, designed, and implemented from the very beginning. What Rijnvliet truly demonstrates is that a new way of living—where nature and people coexist harmoniously—is not just a possibility, but a reality.