Forest design, Dorst

The Dorst forestry is almost 1,000 hectares in size, consists mainly of production timber and is wedged between several towns. To enhance the natural value and to give recreational meaning to the forestry area, Strootman proposes to accentuate the contrast between the core and the shell of the forest. The core of the forest will become more natural, less accessible and wilder. Visitors create their own paths in this untrammelled woodland and maintenance is done by a herd of Highland cattle. Visitors will gain the impression that they are far from the inhabited world, even though they are actually not far from town. Drivers will enter the grazing area via cattle grids to evoke a sense of being on safari.

The shell of the forest will become more cultural; advantage will be taken of specific local conditions to transform the timber forest into more special areas. The shell will incorporate a sports wood, a park-like strip with new country estates, new drifting sands, an up-scaled arboretum and a wet woodland. Within this wet area Strootman will create two special areas: a field surrounded by a canal and planted with black-leaved and white-flowering plants, known as the Galgenveld [Gallows Field]; and an area with a one-metre high mound running straight through an elongated open area. This mound is planted with wild running bulbs and mixed herb seeds to produce a flowery catwalk.

To further enhance the experience of the cultural shell, five follies with a function appropriate to the woodland are designed by different artists and architects: a dovecote (Robbrecht & Daem), a spot offering a panoramic view for wheelchair users (Jeroen Doorenweerd), a bat cellar (Pjotr Müller), a climbing object (Jeroen Veenstra), and a contemplative spot (Frank Bezemer).