How Animals Contribute to a Healthy Ecosystem

10 februari 2026

At ONS BUITEN, animals are more than just passersby on the grounds; they are active and indispensable participants in the ecosystem. The site allows nature to take its course as much as possible but fills in missing links where necessary. For example, we mow and prune at the right time to mimic the work of grazers, strengthening the ecosystem without regulating it. The natural balance is therefore created through human hands, planting, and the continuous interaction with animals. From foraging chickens to parading deer, each animal plays its own role in the biodiversity of the landscape.

Deer: Natural Pruners

Because natural predators are absent and the area offers plenty of cover, deer feel safe at ONS BUITEN. This trust is reflected in their behavior. During quieter seasons, they can be seen on the grounds throughout the day. In summer, their rhythm shifts, and they are mainly active in the early morning hours, when it is still cool and quiet.

For deer, ONS BUITEN is a large, edible garden. They love willows but also enjoy snacking on grapevines and young plantings. As natural pruners, they keep the landscape in motion. While this can sometimes be challenging for the gardening team, it also stimulates creativity. Young trees are protected by planting hawthorns at their base. The thorns keep deer away, allowing the trees to grow safely. Additionally, quince trees are deliberately planted because deer leave them alone. In this way, deer invite us to design the grounds more intelligently and naturally.

Chickens: Forest Dwellers and Soil Workers

Chickens are originally true forest dwellers that enjoy living among the bushes. Around WASRUIMTE ZUID, where there is plenty of cover, they are in their natural element. Their most important contribution to the ecosystem occurs at the soil level.

Through their constant scratching and pecking, chickens loosen the soil. This creates so-called “germination opportunities,” giving seeds a chance to reach the soil and sprout. After mowing the grass, the clippings are applied as a mulch layer around the trees. This thick layer slows down decomposition. This is where the chickens come into action. By scratching and pecking, they aerate the dense layer, allowing organic material to be converted into nutrient-rich soil more quickly. This enables new seeds to be sown. In this way, animals help continuously improve soil conditions.

Hares: Natural Grazers

The landscape, with its gentle slopes and wadis, now feels so natural that other wildlife find their place. Hares are regularly spotted on the grounds, searching for food and shelter. They contribute to biodiversity by grazing and spreading seeds.

Birds: Insect Eaters

The bird population on the grounds is also becoming increasingly noticeable, according to ornithologists. Special sightings are being recorded more frequently; the kingfisher has already been spotted here. The rich soil life attracts species such as the green woodpecker, which searches for food on the ground rather than in trees. Fruit-bearing shrubs, such as rosehips and elderberries, also provide food and shelter for many bird species. Birds play an important role in the natural balance, including by keeping insect populations in check.

Forest Cockroaches: Harmless Cleaners

Smaller, less conspicuous animals also play an important role in the ecosystem of ONS BUITEN, such as the forest cockroach. Unlike other cockroaches, this native species is harmless to humans. They help clean up organic waste, contributing to healthy soil. Their presence shows that the natural balance is intact and that the grounds are attractive to a wide variety of life forms.

Wild Bees: Essential Pollinators

The functioning of the ecosystem at ONS BUITEN is evident in pollination. The quince trees are full of fruit, showing that solitary bees are doing their work diligently. ONS BUITEN is an excellent habitat for wild bees: planting is done with them in mind. For example, the grounds are full of willows, which as early bloomers provide food at a time when little nectar is otherwise available. Special spots have also been created where bees can take shelter and lay their eggs. Additionally, swarms of bees regularly visit the grounds, contributing to biodiversity and showing that the ecosystem is healthy and balanced.

Evidence of a Healthy Ecosystem

The increasingly diverse animal population at ONS BUITEN shows that the grounds “have the right energy” and truly feel like nature. They serve as silent indicators of a healthy nature development site. Through the combination of natural processes and deliberate human interventions—mowing, pruning, and filling in missing links—a landscape emerges that is both ecologically valuable and aesthetically appealing.

This allows humans, animals, and nature to strengthen each other: animals maintain the balance of the ecosystem, while we provide the conditions that allow them to thrive. Together, we create a vibrant, resilient site where nature can truly grow and flourish.