My region

In 2014-2015, the Centre for Landscape Studies (Kenniscentrum Landschap) collaborated with the regional newspapers ‘Dagblad van het Noorden’ and ‘Leeuwarder Courant’ in the series ‘My Region'. That was a 30-part series of trails and cycling routes in Groningen, Friesland and Drenthe, based on the website developed by the Expertise Centre, www.landschapsgeschiedenis.nl . Every two weeks, a new episode appeared in the paper and a short film appeared on YouTube.

Experienced researchers, talented students and seasoned regional experts informed the readers about the landscape and its underlying cultural history. ‘My Region’ brought the history of the landscape closer to the people living there: What does the peat layer under a church tell us? How did the village Wijnjeterp (Zuidoosthoek) shift two kilometres in the course of time? What about the secret tunnel in Oostum, and why have some knolls been reduced to a quarter of their size (Reitdiep)? There is so much to be discovered in the landscape, if you know where to look.

More examples can be found on:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU8FDKQ7LNq1gFZZLHGOmADOXvyKtJh08

http://www.dvhn.nl/mijnstreek/

My Region’ Day

The series concluded on 27 May 2015 with a special ‘My Region’ Day in Veenhuizen. There, approximately 200 visitors heard more about the various landscapes in the Northern Netherlands. Staff and students of the Centre for Landscape Studies gave presentations, and a book containing all the trails and cycle routes, together with background information provided by journalist and initiator Paul Straatsma, was launched.

Course on Man-made Landscapes

In addition to the website with information about landscape history and the ‘My Region’ project that evolved from it, the Centre for Landscape Studies has organized an annual course on Man-made Landscapes in the Northern Netherlands since 2012. This course is targeted to staff of municipalities, consultancy firms, provinces, regional water authorities, organizations involved in environmental and agricultural policy, and others who might be interested. In a series of lectures and excursions, participants are introduced to various types of man-made landscapes and are familiarized with research on the subject. This provides a wider context for all kinds of practical and policy-related issues regarding these landscapes.

Landscape Biography of the Drentse Aa

On 1 July 2015, the Landscape Biography of the Drentse Aa appeared. This is the only recognized National Landscape with a combination of nature, agriculture and living communities. Theo Spek, Professor of Landscape History and director of the Centre for Landscape Studies, and historical geographer Hans Elerie took the initiative. The Landscape Biography s interesting for inhabitants of the area, administrators, policymakers and researchers.

Here you can watch a short video on the Landscape Biography:

More information on the Kenniscentrum Landschap (Centre for Landscape Studies) can be found on their website.