Food forest

Food forest

Closely mimicking a natural forest ecosystem

A food forest is a food producing polyculture that closely mimics the structure and function of a natural forest. It is shaped by a high diversity of perennial crops, dominated by trees and shrubs, and structured in up to 9 different layers.

From artichoke to walnut

Contrary to an orchard or alley cropping, a food forest looks a lot more like a real forest. A food forest is the most complex form of agroforestry that most closely resembles a natural ecosystem.

It covers a minimum of 0,5ha and consists of a big, diverse and closely connected plant community that is structured in layers. One can think of – from tiny to tall – jerusalem artichokes, strawberries, rhubarb, gooseberry, filberts, pears and walnuts. But also climbers like grapes or kiwis are part of it

The layered structure of a food forest, with among many others, wild garlic, thimbleberry and chinese quince. ©Natvise, Food Forest De Overtuin, 2019.
The layered structure of a food forest, with among many others, wild garlic, thimbleberry and chinese quince. ©Natvise, Food Forest De Overtuin, 2019.

From earthnut to pine tree

We do not just work with common species, but explicitly focus on new and rare species, for an ever higher diversity in function, product, taste and experience. We get inspired by ancient cultures where food forestry has been applied for thousands of years.

In our existing projects, we are experimenting with hundreds of different species and varieties, from which we select the most promising for new projects.

For temperate climates, think of – again from tiny to tall – earth nut, sweet wood ruff, solomon’s seal, haskap berry, bladdernut, dateplum and pine trees.

A food forest in Mexico, with among others taro, cacao, ice cream beam and red zapote. This form of edible landscape has been practised here for thousands of years. ©Natvise 2016
A food forest in Mexico, with among others taro, cacao, ice cream beam and red zapote. This form of edible landscape has been practised here for thousands of years. ©Natvise 2016

A fascinating journey

In a food forest, we try to imitate as best as we can all the processes of a natural forest, which allows us to minimize the effort needed to keep the plants healthy and productive. After all, a natural forest doesn’t need any help either, it just grows!

Designing and creating a food forest requires a wide and profound knowledge of plants and lots of patience. We carefully select each plant for each spot, entirely depending on the conditions and wishes.

Seeing and letting a food forest grow is a fascinating, dynamic and truly enlightening journey that we are keen on starting with you and for which we can offer guidance in every step.