19/03/2026
March 20th it is World Rewilding Day. Who are the people working to create more wild nature in the Netherlands?
Meet the rewilders! Meet Hettie Meertens. Hettie has been actively involved in the restoration of the Grensmaas and the rewilding of areas in the Drielandenpark for around 30 years. As a member of staff at ARK Rewilding Nederland and involved in projects such as she is an expert in developing riverine ecosystems and enhancing the landscape’s water retention capacity in Limburg.
The Netherlands deserves more wild nature. Because nature is beautiful and powerful, and fills us with wonder and a sense of peace. But also because more and wilder nature helps prevent species from going extinct, slows down climate disruption, mitigates flooding and provides us with clean water and clean air. Fortunately, there is one force that can make nature in the Netherlands wilder and stronger like no other: nature itself!
With this conviction, ARK has been giving nature in the Netherlands and neighboring regions the space it needs since 1989. On land, in and near rivers, and in the North Sea. Literally, by creating more nature reserves and connecting existing ones. And by restarting natural processes, so that nature can then take over.
Across the world, people from all walks of life are falling in love with rewilding 🦋
Rewilding revitalises our beautiful planet by bringing back wild Nature, wild animals and the beauty of dynamic landscapes 🦊🌱🐾
Become part of the rewilding movement, a growing community that restores nature globally, inspired by undeniable proof of life rebounding 💚 ARK founded the Jonge Rewilders Movement and a network of rewilding initiatives for landowners and land managers who wish to put rewilding into practice. But anyone, young or old, with a lot of land, a little, or none at all, can contribute to creating more wild nature on our living planet! Visit our website to find out what you can do (Samen Rewilden).
Join the movement and help choose a better future!
📽 .bakkes
