Behind their house, Arie and Rina Rouwhof, together with their son Marco, planted no less than 2.5 hectares of forest. “Why? Because we love it!” says Arie. The financial support from the Province of Overijssel also played an important role. The family utilized the subsidy scheme 'More Forest in Overijssel', which contributes to the province's goal of establishing 3,900 hectares of new forest.

Since the piece of land is directly behind their house, it didn't feel right anymore to lease it for intensive agriculture. “When you lease land to a farmer, you have no say over what they grow on it,” Arie explains. Rina Rouwhof adds: “the forest we have planted here remains ours. That financial incentive was one reason. Furthermore, we simply love forests!”

The Importance of Involving Neighbors

Planting a forest changes the landscape. Therefore, it is important to involve local residents. “We informed our neighbors in advance, and they were 100% in agreement,” says Arie. He mentions that there are more individuals in the area who would have space for a forest. “When we have a neighborhood party, you can see that everyone is interested in how it works: planting a forest. We have never received negative feedback. People sometimes come to visit to see the forest.” However, the family notices that it often remains just interest. “I think many people don't know where to start. Or they find the threshold too high.”

A Climate-Resilient Forest

The family planted a natural forest with sixteen native species. Son Marco Rouwhof walks among the young trees and points them out. “Here we have lime, sweet cherry, fladderiep, winter and summer oak…” “We wanted a mixed forest with only native species of trees and shrubs,” Marco explains. “In this way, you make the forest climate-resilient and offer special species that are struggling in our country a chance to expand again.”

The young trees are now about two meters high. In a few years, there will be a real forest here. This forest has a gradual structure: shrubs at the edges, then the taller trees. “This way, you create a beautiful transition from grass to forest, and you also attract many insects.”

Historical Landscape of Markelosebroek

“Historically, forests belong to this area,” says Arie. “In Markelosebroek, you see many small woods, tree lines, and meadows. By adding forest, you make the landscape smaller in scale, just like it used to be.”

Applying for Subsidies? Here’s How It Works

The Province of Overijssel supports initiators through the subsidy scheme 'More Forest in Overijssel'. Land with an area of 0.5 hectares or more is considered forest in the subsidy scheme and has a chance of receiving funding from the Forest Strategy. We can look at the possibilities with you. You can also engage an advisory agency to assist with your application. The costs can be co-financed in the subsidy.

Visit the Forest Strategy page or contact the Overijssel desk: 038 499 88 99.