The renovation of quays and bridges in Amsterdam releases 160-250 years old European softwood, which is used as a driving force for gardens with this project. The robust frames even make the gardens transportable over water.
A partnership has been set up to make this project possible. The Municipality made this wood available as a pilot for the Water Caravan. Dura Vermeer Infra Regio Noord West, sponsor of the Water Caravan and contractor of the quay renovation of the Jacob Catskade, fulfills its SROI (Social Return On Investment) responsibility by hiring social firm Amsterdams Grachtenhout B.V. for the production of the wood structures for the floating gardens and the transport of the festive expedition. Because the Amsterdam Canal Wood is a continuous urban waste stream, the gardens could be produced with Amsterdam Canal Wood.
Amstel Gooi en Vecht Water Board supports the Water Caravan in terms of content and financial terms. Rijkswaterstaat supports the research process that follows the summer expedition and sponsors the digital water safari 'In de Waterweg', the interactive depiction of marine life.
“Water is a source of life”
Water is a source of life. The floating gardens in the Water Caravan make this clearly visible. Rijkswaterstaat manages, among others, the IJ and the North Sea Canal. We invest in greening banks, such as Natuurvriendelijke oever Buitenhuizen. Together with our partners in the region, we also ensure that fish can pass through locks and pumping stations via fishing passages. In this urban area, however, there are few opportunities for natural shores with aquatic animals and fish to find their home. The Water Caravan has found a beautiful way in a creative way: a floating ecosystem that many forms of life can enjoy.
“Adding value to water nature from projects”
At Dura Vermeer, we have many projects along (quays) and across the water (bridges) and are increasingly realizing that we can add value to aquatic nature from our projects. Both in what we make and how we make it. The new WFD (Water Framework Directive) 2027 clearly states that we need to make an explicit improvement in this together. By participating in the Water Caravan, we hope to clarify together what improvement in aquatic nature can bring to floating gardens. This also fits in nicely with our Room for Nature program.
“Thanks to Maarten, there are also sloping gardens in the Water Caravan”
Initiator Amber: “Maarten has been supportive of this project from the start of this project and he has a great vision of floating gardens that are good for urban ecological water quality. And he has been critical in a constructive way. Thanks to Maarten, there are also sloping gardens in the Water Caravan. Maarten is also involved in research into the impact of floating gardens. '
“The project fits well with our De Nieuwe Kaart program line”
From the website; “On October 27, 2025, Amsterdam will be 750 years old, and we will celebrate that together! The Amsterdam 750 Foundation organized eight rounds in which Amsterdammers could apply for a subsidy for their idea for the celebration. The result? A celebration by and for everyone. Discover the unique gifts that Amsterdammers give to their birthday city. '
Thanks to the start-up grant from the Amsterdam 750 Foundation, this project could be carried out. The required 50% co-financing has ensured that professional parties joined that are highly involved in the content of this project.
“The Water Caravan enriches our Zoöp with invisible life below the waterline”
At Zoöp, we are an organization where we people work together with “other-than-human” life. So, with the plants, animals and elements around us, we make decisions about what to do and what not to do. (Zoe is Greek for “life,” and co-op for collaboration). At Zoöp, we thus contribute to ecological 'regeneration': with our actions, we want to support and improve the health of species communities in our environment. Preferably in the ground, in the water, on land and in the air. We have included a Speaker for the Living in our organization as an advisor and ecological advisor on important decisions. Our Speaker of the Living is Thijs de Zeeuw - from, among others, the Embassy of the North Sea and the new lion enclosure in Artis.
”Environmentally friendly family business”
Marcel runs the family business (Marcel's mother is in the picture) and works as environmentally friendly as possible. So with a plant pot in soil from Marcel, you immediately buy a small healthy ecosystem. “We make an environmentally friendly pesticide from nettle ourselves.” Marcel delivers directly to projects run by private individuals, companies or municipalities and often contributes to nature-friendly shores. He combines supplying (native) aquatic plants with location-based advice.
”The tension between water safety and ecology”
As an area maintenance company, we have a lot to do with the water, we mow the waterways clean for sufficient supply and discharge of water, and the water also offers space for many flora and fauna. Our work is at the tension between water safety and ecology. It is positive that the Water Caravan pays attention to this part of the underexplored city. In addition to area maintenance, we grow Lisdodde in the Burkmeer in Amsterdam-North.
”Bringing water to life feels like magic”
The Waterplant Foundation has been working for many years to support projects in various cities. Based on 40 years of experience with aquatic plants, we provide advice on which plants grow best in various places.
Kees believes that underwater plants are placed and allowed to grow in city canals, ditches, lakes and fens. The plants have a purifying effect that makes the water clear. This will bring the water to life and strengthen biodiversity. “Sometimes mowing takes place without taking into account the young of frogs and salamanders, for example. Also, only 1/3 of the aquatic plants need to be mowed. Plants move with you when you leave them stuck, they don't hold back much at all. Moreover, the exotics that continue to grow in the winter will otherwise have too much space to grow'.
“From doctor to ditch doctor”
Sara has a PhD in molecular biologist and has been studying aquatic nature for two years. You can also say trainee ditch doctor because her mission to transform lifeless locks into oases of life involves a lot. She experiments a lot with growing native aquatic plants to investigate what they need and also provides nature education.
Moreover, she cooks with what she harvests from the ditch! Did you know that people in the Netherlands used to eat a lot of aquatic plants? There is an ultra-sustainable aspect to the ditch snacks: every plant we use gives nature a boost. This naturally enriches marine life. She also likes to incorporate the exotic American River - which is causing a collapse in underwater nature - into her meals.
“Land, road and hydraulic engineering company that understands plants”
Liesbeth has taken over the company from her father Jan, who also still works there. Jan spent 60 years doing land, road and water management, and then started with nature-friendly banks and water treatment. Liesbeth is a biologist and graduated in helophyte filters. They grow a lot of plants themselves. Their focus is on banks and roofs, and they have created many floating gardens - including in Amsterdam - with cork as a floating base.
At the kitchen table, Jan explains enthusiastically how he used to come up with the idea to hang forests of twigs in the water under floating islands like a fish reef. Liesbeth has shared her knowledge with passion from the start and is always open to new opportunities. In the Water Caravan, she experiments with an innovative type of “swamp cushion”.
“Taking responsibility for society and the environment”
Amsterdams Grachtenhout B.V. was started as a social enterprise by entrepreneurs who, in addition to their commercial activities, also take responsibility for society and the environment. Amsterdams Grachtenhout B.V. has two goals: “We see many people who are unable to keep up with today's society and we find it important for them to organize a pleasant and sustainable workplace. Renovations of bridges, quays and canal houses in Amsterdam destroy a lot of material as waste. We think it's important to give this material a second life. ' Bart is committed to a good working environment and to reusing 160-250 years old wood. He is a basic value for the Water Caravan as coordinator of the activities from the first tests to the realization of the prototypes, all ten airframes and transports.
”Take advantage of all opportunities to build biotopes in the city”
For the Water Caravan, we have developed robust modules in Grachtenhout, with matrix-like structures that create support and shelter. I use local and recycled materials and weigh how quickly something can compost. Underwater plants are still quite a challenge; what works in a ditch doesn't necessarily work in the city. I therefore see the Water Caravan as an ongoing design study full of experiments, where things can sometimes go wrong, and you will learn from that. Here I was looking for innovative partners who use or continue to develop their beautiful products in the Water Caravan from the same vision of material use and water ecology.
There are many opportunities to build biotopes in the city. There should be many more urban ecologists who are always allowed to contribute ideas.
”Sailing, driving jobs, and field work”
Coco obtained his VCA contractor safety certificate here. 'I really enjoy doing the work here. Drilling holes for the Water Caravan was our third job. '
Rikky got his forklift certificate here. “First, we sprayed the Canal Wood clean, then we made a mold. We piled up the wood and continued to build the gardens until approval was reached. In the end, we made a lot”.
Cor: 'I like everything here. I made my hobby my job. Once upon a time, I did maintenance and repair of bridges, shelling and lock gates at Rijkswaterstaat. '
Sammy: “The work is varied, sometimes you have projects where you can sail, sometimes there are driving jobs and sometimes work on the field. I got my GPI (Generic Port Instruction) here. '
“A future that grows upward”
Erik Hobijn is working on floating Rietzuddes on the Nieuwe Meer. Where he first experimented with mycelium as a floating growth material, he has now developed a plant-based and circular building block: Root concrete©. This is made from ditch material - selected reed rhizomes (rhizomes) - that grow under controlled conditions with simulated tides and a unique blend of nutrients. A new way of “soil farming” in which nature and technology merge. Root concrete© forms the basis for growing reed peat or 'Hollandveen'. Erik is developing a system that he calls the VeenMotor: a method to make soil growth possible up to seven meters in height. Root concrete stores more CO₂ than any other crop. From the start, Erik shares his vision, knowledge and network with the Water Caravan. His innovative ideas and boundless energy are a source of inspiration for the entire project.
“Join the Green Revolution”
“It started out illegally but it's serious now. Jasper Riehm, aka That Weird Plant Guy, is greening the city with his works of art”. (From: It's possible. Living greener, fairer and more fun). In collaboration with the Water Caravan, team Willoasis and the 'Willow Crew' at the Marineterrein, Jasper may have created the first willow dome ever on a floating garden, within the Dobbernatuur project. Jasper taught the Willow Crew how to weave willow 'eggbaskets', which function wonderfully as swamp gardens on the Water Caravan. Jasper is enthusiastically working on the green revolution, now also on the water.
“Insects disappear silently”
Insects disappear silently. Their living space is being paved, poisoned, forgotten. Without them, the system falls out of balance - in the city and in nature. Underbug creates shelters for the forgotten insects of the insect kingdom. Both decoration and functional areas for species that have nowhere else to go. With the Tower of Babel aboard the Water Caravan, we draw attention to what is often overlooked: the teeming life under our feet. Floating gardens offer an opportunity to bring these residents back as well. Underbug calls for a wilder city, where even on the water there is room for frayed edges, remains and rebellious animals.
“100% natural Bio-Floats”
At Dutch Water Tech, we believe in sustainable improvement of urban water. Our Bio-Floats are one such example. These are perfect for improving biodiversity.
We distinguish ourselves by making our floating islands from 100% natural materials. We also work with a social workplace when building the islands. We choose the plants for each project together with the client. By the way, these plants are all native.
We are also working hard to add submerged aquatic plants to our Bio-Floats. This way, nature gets a boost both below and above water!
“We have growth opportunities that they also take”
“The participants are really passionate, they especially enjoy working on the boat, they are eager to learn and we have career opportunities that they also take. Like Rikky going to get his welding certificate. ' There are learning lines from Cordaan from levels 1 to 12 and the supervisors draw up a support plan for each participant. “Working at Amsterdams Grachtenhout is a lot of fun, it's very broad. I also arrange all appointments and people can talk to me, I'm a sympathetic ear. Everyone has their own qualities. ' The team really hit it off with Cor. “He is very broad and technical and can do anything. Cor learns from me but also vice versa. '
“Space for life in the middle of the city”
At Waardenburg Ecology, we believe that nature and the city can reinforce each other. Healthy canals, ditches and puddles are very important for plants, animals and people. That is why we are working on smart solutions to restore and strengthen water nature, water quality and ecological resilience in urban areas. Think of fish passages, nature-friendly erosion-resistant shores, a catching system against invasive lobsters and floating islands like this. With research, advice and design, we help municipalities, water boards and residents to increase biodiversity in and around the water. This is how we make space for life - above and below water - together in the middle of the city. Exotic crayfish cause a lot of damage in our waters: they eat underwater fauna, aquatic plants and disturb the shore structure. As a result, the water becomes cloudy and the ecological balance is disturbed. That is why the alien lobsters must be fought. Waardenburg Ecology developed a unique innovative capture method: the Craybar
“Products to initiate the natural recovery process”
BESE develops biodegradable and circular products for restoring ecosystems. With these products, we stimulate the natural recovery process. This allows habitats to recover on their own and ultimately leaves only a healthy natural system.
The Water Caravan has a shallow pond tank with compostable BESE elements. Aquatic plants and water-filtering organisms, such as mussels and sponges, grow on these elements that improve biodiversity and water quality locally.
“Urban water nature as a basis for a climate-proof living environment”
At Eco-Infra Solutions, we believe in urban water nature as the basis for a healthy, climate-proof living environment. With total solutions such as Aqua-Flora and green banks, we strengthen biodiversity, water quality and urban cooling. We continuously invest in innovation and research, and work together in consortiums and partnerships. This is how we remain at the forefront of sustainable, nature-inclusive solutions. Our approach connects ecology, economy and society — towards a resilient and green future.
The Water Caravan features an AQF Eco-Floatland® with glass foam chunks, a lightweight, porous material made from recycled glass. This glass foam has been optimized to stay afloat longer. Nautilus also supplied gabions for underwater plants, and built the 'VisMatroesjka' with three gabions: inwardly, it is getting an increasingly fine mesh size, so that even small fish can hide safely.
“New nature can only be created by and with nature”
Water nature is indispensable for bringing the relationship between people and nature back into balance. By means of floating cork elements with a wealth of flowers, shrubs and plants, DobberWeelde contributes to the development of biodiversity in urban areas, visible and accessible. Unique here is the use of a 100% bio-based binder that holds the cork together. This is in line with our vision that new nature can only be created by and with nature.
“The digital water safari is a joy to work on”
At first, I was concerned that De Waterkaravaan would get a nice website. With the right use of color and everything is easy to find. And then the digital water safari, what a joy to work on! Draw and animate all those animals and plants.
But during the breaks, when walking the dog, I was suddenly able to recognize aquatic plants myself. Gradually, the knowledge that I imagined and structured had seeped through. Really enriching. Because it's all fun, that technique that I can completely lose myself in on my computer. But it can never compete with the “real work” of nature.
“Everything can be found on green”
I learned how to make baskets from master basket maker Leen van der Kamp. Raft building by Robert Grootveld and Arno Baan, his successor. Floating gardens that wobble on the water stopped me as an allotment garden enthusiast... greenery, flowers, trees, birds and butterflies, you can find everything on green. The roots under the rafts are breeding and shelters for fish. The underwater world is filtered with sunken willow baskets, woven in a teardrop shape. Mussels and sponges adhere to this and increase underwater biodiversity. Geese, herons, grebes, coots, moorhens and even swans breed on the green floating havens.
“Water offers cooling, rest and sometimes tons of biodiversity”
Water nature contributes to the quality of life in the urban area. Where water flows, there can be no asphalt. That is already a profit, but water offers cooling, rest and sometimes lots of biodiversity. There is more to underwater than meets the eye. In a waterway in the Netherlands, you can sometimes find more than 100 species. Hardly anyone knows anything about that — and that's what makes it so much fun to talk about it. On behalf of TAUW, I advise water boards and municipalities what water needs to become more diverse, for example a better bank layout.
Municipality of Amsterdam, Dirk Versluis (IB), Jorine Noordman (IB), Joyce van den Berg, Melvin Stigter, Els Corporaal, Geert Timmermans, Cor Schröder, and all helpful people with permits and nautical management (Municipality of Amsterdam)
Michiel Wilhelm (TAUW), Jasper Stroom, Bart Specken, Maarten Ouboter, Gerard ter Heerdt, Marleen van Dusseldorp (Waternet), Yse Tuynman, Marco van Wieringen, Sophie de Wringer, Daan Maassen, Erik Hobijn, Jasper Vermeulen,
Annet Schaap (Netl), Iris Veentjer (Rietgoed), Hardware Winkel Burger & Zn, Dick Van Aalsburg, Basaltex, Jan van Schaik, Jan de Vos (The Myth Basketry), Sjarifah Meijerman, Franke van der Laan (MeerGroen Foundation), Jeroen Vrolijk (de Struunhoeve),
De Ceuvel breeding ground, Marcel van Wees, Christel Lit, Tessa Hermelink, Thijs de Zeeuw, PK Waterbouw, Bart Verweijen, all employees of Amsterdams Grachten hout B.V., Gerard, Dennis, Timothy, Sabine, Daria, Christian and Jonathan (KABK)
Hotel Asile Flottant, Bureau Marineterrein Amsterdam, Pension Homeland, Hotel Poppies, WDSTCK, Restaurant V12, Student Experience Amsterdam Amstel, OBS De Nautilus, OBS De Nutcracker, OKT Zuid, Chr. Augustanenhof community, KB Wachterlied and all other location partners
Jasper Riehm (ThatWeirdPlantGuy), Willoasis team, Willow Crew, Kai and Sammy Hielckert, Mittch, Dilara, Tineke, Ronan, Dragos, Kinny and all other volunteers.
Sara Hermanides, Froukje Jansen, Ama van Dantzig, Marian Markelo, Lydia Fraaije, Heleen Snoek and the other masters of ceremonies and facilitators of a connection ritual.
Joost Janmaat, Lynn Berger, Maarten Remmers, Otakar Zwartjes, Matthijs Bourdrez, and other neighbors who helped.
Everyone who received me in the past 2 years, offered help, inspired me, shared knowledge, gave materials.
And a special mention to Pascal Hielckert and Inge Jansen.
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