At 2 p.m. we were ready to roll up our sleeves. From the parking lot, we walked into the nature reserve. On the beach, we were able to get to work with a large dragnet. Cap boots on, into the sea and drag it out! After a few hundred meters of towing, the net was brought back to shore and we were able to see what this part of the North Sea has to offer in terms of wildlife. The most spectacular find was a sea grape. A small jellyfish that we, at least, had never seen before. Sea grapes have eight vertical ribs on which there are small swimming plates with cilia. Moving these rhythmically moves the sea grape forward.

After a learning time on the beach, it was time to roll up our sleeves even further. In the dune forest we tackled an, to us familiar, invasive exotic species: the American Watercress. Once brought here to provide additional vegetation under pine trees, but due to lack of natural enemies has since become a species that grows too fast. So to work: with shovels we rid a whole section of the forest of this uninvited guest.

After hard work, it is good to rest. At Vrijstaat Nederzandt, we had drinks in the sun and then a delicious dinner. Once again, we look back on a beautiful and successful Green Drinks and look forward to our next edition! Our Green Drinks are held twice a year. So keep an eye on our LinkedIN page for the save the date. If you want to be assured of a spot already, sign up here in advance so you will automatically be included in our mailing. We are already looking forward to seeing you!