At op Oost, nature forms the basis of everything we do. From the ingredients on the plate to the way we grow our crops – we work in harmony with the landscape of Texel. We are now proudly taking the next step in our sustainable business operations. In De Waelde Tuin, our historic 6-hectare orchard, we will start this year with the construction of an agroforestry test plot of over 1.5 hectares. With this, we want to show how food production and nature restoration can go hand in hand.
Regenerative agriculture: beyond organic
OOur philosophy revolves around a way of growing that strengthens nature instead of depleting it. Our restaurant was awarded a Green MICHELIN star and with this agroforestry project we are continuing to build on our sustainable vision. Thanks to the support of the Nature and Environment Federation of North Holland, we can create an inspiring example of regenerative agriculture on Texel. This test plot will not only be a valuable resource for our restaurant and future store, but also a place where nature lovers and interested parties can learn about agroforestry and sustainable food production.
What is agroforestry?
Agroforestry is a smart agricultural system in which trees, shrubs and crops together form a resilient ecosystem. This offers numerous advantages: it increases biodiversity, enriches the soil, improves water management and contributes to climate mitigation through CO₂ storage. In our agroforestry plot, we let nature do its work and bring guests, animals and crops together in a sustainable balance.
You can apply this at home by combining different plant species in your garden. Consider planting fruit trees with ground-covering herbs such as thyme or chives, or growing climbing plants such as grapevines against a pergola.
Eco farm camping De Waeldernis: camping in the rhythm of nature
Our test plot is being constructed around our eco farm camping, which will open its doors on 1 May. Here you will experience the peace and wild edible nature of Texel. We have deliberately opted for a small-scale setup without large campers or playground equipment. “We want to create a place where ‘getting away from it all’ takes on a new meaning. At De Waeldernis, the starry sky is your night light, the moon determines the rhythm of the harvest and you rediscover the art of going wild.” – Valerie
Would you like to create a piece of this experience at home? Create an outdoor kitchen, cook on an open fire or place a fire basket in your garden for long summer evenings under the stars.
A farm shop: Texel products from your own garden
In addition to our campsite, we will also open a shop this spring where we offer our own harvest and farm products. Valerie: “This shop is not only for our camping guests, but also for Texel residents. We bring together sustainably produced products, from fruit and herbs to vegetables, dairy and juices. A place where the honest products of Texel come together.”
Together we make an impact
At Op Oost we work every day to restore the balance between people and nature. We do this not only for ourselves, but also to inspire you. By making small changes in your daily life, you too can contribute to a more sustainable world. Whether you choose a native garden, waste less food or eat more consciously: every step counts.
Do you want to learn more about our approach or experience the peace and nature of Texel yourself? Visit us at Op Oost and be inspired by the flavors and beauty of a sustainable lifestyle.
View our sustainable initiatives and book your op Oost moment here..