In an effort to deepen public understanding of the rich biodiversity in the Netherlands, a new and unofficial “Canon of Dutch Nature” has been introduced, showcasing 50 of the country’s most emblematic plants and animals, ranging from the humble snowdrop to the elusive wolf.
The book, serving as an educational tool for a wide audience, seeks to address the fact that today’s children are less connected to nature and have limited knowledge about it, as explained by Nicole van Hoorn, the director of the publishing house KNNV. The canon was unveiled during an event attended by the Netherlands’ Minister of Nature, Christianne van der Wal, at the Naturalis museum in Leiden.
The compilation, in a format similar to the established canon of Dutch history, was meticulously curated by the renowned nature journalist and author, Dick de Vos. “I pondered: why isn’t there a canon of Dutch nature? Nature is captivating, comforting, and I felt like I was in a candy store while working on it,” De Vos expressed.
Among the featured species are notable plants such as the nettle, thoughtfully situated within its historical and ecological context, the fly agaric fungus, and the “soil engineer” of the nation, the earthworm. De Vos also pays homage to the herring, acknowledging its integral role in Dutch culture, even though it is primarily sourced off the coasts of Scotland, Norway, and Denmark.
Furthermore, the American crayfish, an invasive species that has successfully established itself in the Netherlands, is also recognized on this list.
