Since 2023, SteenhuisMeurs has been developing landscape biographies of so-called transition areas in the countryside. These agricultural areas are situated near Natura 2000 zones. Various challenges converge: regional water management, nitrogen reduction, future-proof agriculture, conservation of nature and climate adaptation. This complex endeavour confronts every province in the Netherlands. Uncertainty, concern, and at times, even resentment among farmers and residents prevail, as this transition involves high stakes ánd multiple projections onto our landscape.

The current provincial strategies are very similar: what applies to one area also applies to another. The question is whether this is a valid assumption. SteenhuisMeurs combines archival research with fieldwork and numerous conversations with local inhabitants. This approach yields an analysis of the landscape and land use and provides valuable insights into the values and beliefs of these agricultural communities. To navigate these intricate dynamics, it is so important to understand the layer of values and convictions. In every area, they are different. The approach developed by SteenhuisMeurs is built on an understanding of both the area ánd its community. It provides relief from tension and more space in often arduous operations. The motto is: from a region-focussed to a region-specific approach.

CASE 1

HEZINGEN, MANDER, MANDERVEEN: THE SOIL, THE PEOPLE AND THE LANDSCAPE THROUGHOUT THE CENTURIES

Landscape biography

commisioned by the province of Overijssel

It is a well-known systemic law: ‘Where there is resistance, loyalty to something else applies’. In the area of Springendal/Dal van de Mosbeek, SteenhuisMeurs delved into the beliefs and guiding principles of this agricultural community. Which patterns of land cultivation and collectivity could aid in the complex transition that this area is facing? Beneath modern interventions, the old laws and customs of ancestors often persist in local communities. These qualities make communities unique and seemingly peculiar to outsiders, who may be startled by certain actions that are, however, quite natural for the community itself. This project consisted of an exploration of the cultural-historical and agricultural development and provided lessons that were derived from it. Watch the film recording of this story (only in Dutch): youtube.com

Hezingen, Mander, Manderveen

CASE 2

THE GENERATIONS OF GEUS (GARDEREN, ELSPEET, UDDEL, SPEULD): VALUED SOIL

Landscape biography

commissioned by Gebiedsaanpak GEUS

In the Gelderland Gebiedsaanpak GEUS, cultural history is referred to as the foundation. SteenhuisMeurs conducted an in-depth analysis of cultural history, mentality and the relationship between government and citizens. For centuries, the GEUS area has been cultivated by small farmers, who endured a challenging existence prior to the introduction of artificial fertilisers. Yet, it was also an existence in which the communal ‘marke’-organisations as well as religion fostered a strong sense of community. What has been the impact of the sale of communal lands, spurred by the rise of tourism and post-war village expansions? How did the scarcity of agricultural land lead to the emergence of calf-rearing farms? This area has its own traditions, norms and values, with religion serving as the foundation for many lives. Watch the filmed account of this story (only in Dutch): gebiedsaanpakgeus.nl

Map of species in 1955-1965, Staverden and surroundings