Reclaim the Seeds Amsterdam

On March 3 and 4, Reclaim the Seeds is at the Fruittuin van West in Amsterdam. At this biodynamic pick-your-own orchard at the western edge of Amsterdam, there will be plenty of seeds on the Saturday as well as workshops on topics related to seeds, biodiversity and urban agriculture. There will also once again be a Sunday programme where you can get your hands dirty.


Weather update: cold but also warm

The seed exchange this Saturday will take place outside, and you've noticed that the weather is cold. But no need for panic!
First of all, it will be warmer on Saturday.
And secondly, the market will take place in a very sheltered, covered courtyard. The stalls are out of the wind, and also dry in case of rain or snow. There are also lots of cosy rooms around the courtyard where you can warm up with coffee, tea or soup. Most of the workshops also take place inside.
But still, it's a great idea to dress warmly!

See you Saturday!


The market on Saturday March 3 will be a little smaller than the national edition in Rotterdam a week before, but we still managed to catch a number of interesting stall holders. You will be able to purchase special seeds here, but we will also try to stimulate the actual trading of seeds. So please take some of the stored seeds from your own garden with you if you have some!
Garden projects from the region will also present themselves on the market and you can be introduced to smart techniques for balcony gardens and vegetable gardens.

During the day you can enjoy some food and drinks. At the end of the fair and the workshop programme we will continue with a campfire, pizza, live music and a film program.

On Sunday March 4 there will be a more active day; you can help with pruning and the first broad beans can go into the ground at the Pluktuin. In addition, there will be cycling tours to various garden projects in the vicinity. The day will be closed off with a protest cycling tour to the Boterbloem, an organic farm at the edge of Amsterdam which is being threatened by a business park.

We are still hard at work with the programme. More information you can find on the programme page.

The Fruittuin van West is a relatively new orchard in the old horticultural area called De Tuinen van West. Wil Sturkenboom planted many types of apple, pear, cherry, raspberry and other fruit here. When it is ripe, the fruit can be picked by the visitors themselves. Many chickens roam around between the trees. In addition, chicory is cultivated here (which you are allowed to harvest yourself) and there is a shop and café. All through the year there is something to experience at the Fruittuin and it therefore attracts many visitors, both from Amsterdam West and from the rest of the city. The Fruittuin gladly wanted to collaborate with Reclaim the Seeds to bring back this seed fair to Amsterdam after all these years. The Pluktuin is also located on the terrain of the Fruittuin. This is a small horticulture garden where members can pass to harvest their own portion of vegetables. It concerns so-called CSA (Community Supported Agriculture).

In addition to people of the Fruittuin van West, this Reclaim the Seeds weekend is organized by ASEED and the urban agricultural organization Cityplot.

Practical information

times
The seed fair starts at 10.30 and lasts until 5 o' clock. The first workshops start at 11 o' clock. Make sure to be on time in order not to miss anything of the interesting program. The evening programme with food, fire and music starts around 5 o' clock.

address: Tom Schreursweg 48, 1067 MC Amsterdam
The Fruittuin van West is located in the very western tip of Amsterdam, close to Halfweg.

accessibility
For everyone from the region we suggest taking the bicycle.

Accessibility with public transport: bus lines 21 from Amsterdam Centraal and 61 from station Sloterdijk come reasonably close. From stop Aalbersestraat it is still an approximate 1.5 kilometres walk.
We organise a buurtbus (neighbourhood bus) from that bus stop to the Fruittuin van West. This starts at 10:30. This buurtbus costs one Euro per person per ride and you can pay this (afterwards) at the info stall at the entrance of Reclaim the Seeds.

You can also go to NS station Halfweg and from there it is about 2 kilometres by bicycle or on foot.

People with cars can use the free parking at the Fruittuin van West.

catering
There is a bar in the building for coffee, tea and other refreshments. Starting from lunch time there will be a simple and affordable meal available there.

money
There will be no ATM at the market. Make sure to have some cash with you.

dogs
PLEASE NOTE: dogs are not allowed inside the Fruittuin van West!

A helping hand

Organizing Reclaim the Seeds is only possible if enough people help along. All work is done on voluntary basis and there is a lot to do. At the moment we are looking for people that would like to spread posters and flyers in their own neighbourhood or city. There are also still enough tasks to do during the day itself. Read more about how you can help.