“Syntropic agroforestry” workshop October 2024

We want to establish and research what is probably the most complex and demanding agroforestry system in our latitudes.

A retrospective look at our workshop
(Text from Jens)

Our workshop introducing the basics of syntropic agroforestry recently took place in the beautiful forest garden in Rehfelde near Berlin. As a real-world laboratory and ideal place to learn and explore young complex agroforestry systems, the forest garden provides the perfect setting for inspiring educational and practical experiences.

Together with a dedicated and diverse group of multipliers and interested participants, we planted another syntropic row. In addition to practical work, the focus was on understanding ecological processes and the principles of syntropic agroforestry. Through the balanced mix of theory and practice, all participants were able to deepen their knowledge and apply it directly – an approach that generated enthusiasm and gave us all a lot of pleasure.

AT THE BEGINNING OF OCTOBER, A THREE-DAY WORKSHOP ON THE TOPIC OF SYNTROPIC AGROFORESTRY WAS HELD ON THE GROUNDS OF THE REHFELDE FOREST GARDEN.

A NEW SYNTROPIC ROW OF TREES WAS PLANTED ON THE NORTHERN MEADOW.
THE FOCUS OF THE NEW PLANTINGS WAS ON THE USE OF SEEDS AND WOOD CUTTINGS.
AFTER OUR EXPERIENCE WITH THE FIRST ROW, WE PLANTED MUCH MORE DENSELY.
KRISTIN HAD WORKED OUT A DETAILED PLANTING PLAN FOR THIS …
… WHICH WAS DISTRIBUTED ACROSS MANY INDIVIDUAL PLANT TEAMS.
BETWEEN THE PRACTICAL BLOCKS THERE WERE ALWAYS THEORY UNITS FROM JENS …
… ON THE STRUCTURE, DEVELOPMENT AND FUNCTION OF SYNTROPIC AGROFORESTRY SYSTEMS.

One highlight was the guided tour through the various food forest systems, which was conducted by Matthias with his in-depth expertise and enthusiasm. There was also a small workshop on inoculating wood with mushrooms, which are another nutritious yield from a food forest. The two lecturers Kristin and Jens brought in their knowledge and experience about syntropic systems in four climate zones, ecosystems and the use of specific plants. There were many examples and stories; overall it was a lively, educational and enjoyable event.

Of course, we didn’t want to miss out on our culinary well-being either: Thanks to Jessie and Felix, we were spoiled with delicious food from morning to night. In the evening, a cozy campfire provided the perfect ending, accompanied by lively discussions, laughter and music.

A milestone for the Rehfelde forest garden

The workshop marked the starting point for the foundation of the “Syntropic Heroes Rehfelde” – a group of committed volunteers who want to take over the management and organization of the syntropic system in Rehfelde in the long term. This step shows how education and practice can make a lasting contribution to building resilient and healthy ecosystems.

Join in and become part of the movement

If you are interested in getting actively involved and supporting us in creating productive and regenerative systems, please get in touch with us. Whether with helping hands, funding and social media or creative ideas – everyone is welcome to become part of this project. Write to:
Kristin (ät) FoodForest.Network

Original German text: Jens
Photos & translation: Matthias