Rijnvliet: Where Public Space Feeds the Soul

The etenbare woonwijk, Rijnvliet in Utrecht is one of the first edible residential areas in Utrecht, almost 15,000 sq.m of food heaven. Thanks to the PEP Professioneel Ervarings Programma, we were given a rondleiding by Deborah Lambert from Felixx, who took us through the Rijnvliet landscape. What makes it more fascinating to me is that most of the public space not only features an integrated urban food forest but all this is woven into everyday neighborhood life. Think of edible plants, trees, hedges, verges, leaves and berries, alongside a community orchard for neighborhood activities and play areas for children (this was clearly visible as the children form the neighborhood school came out to play). I find this intriguing because this offers a perfect backdrop for an active social layer that enhances really living and doing life together. There is plenty to learn, discover, participate in and experience together."

"The urban food  forest is built up in multiple layers of plants, which together form an integrated ecosystem: tree crowns, low trees, shrubs, herbs, ground cover, and climbers. My favorite part of the Rijnvliet has to be the elevated circular walkway through the trees, high enough to bring you close to the tree crowns and well within hand’s reach of something edible to pluck!