Almost tree years after the launch of the first edition of the green and blue map of Amsterdam (in 2019), having sold 3.000 copies of it, we - Nature Desks and Urban Good - are proud to announce a second edition of the #UrbanNatureAmsterdam. This unique map that shows all the green and blue spots in Amsterdam is widely appreciated by the users, but also raises questions. Hereby our answers.

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Why a paper map?

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Paper offers a unique sensory experience which cannot be reproduced digitally. This big map – covering more than one square meter of information on both sides of the paper needs to be discovered to really learn to appreciate it. It is certainly not an ordinary map that people use as a functional orientation tool. It is a cartographic gem that shows urban nature in the city and its surroundings. The aim is to invite people to observe and experience the city in a different way: please discover all the green and blue spots and more. Hopefully we also inspire you to make the Amsterdam greener, wilder and healthier.

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How did this map come about?

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In May 2018 we started a crowdfunding campaign which resulted in 150 private individuals, initiatives, institutions and companies pledging their financial support. Our three partners were the Municipality of Amsterdam, Waterschap Amstel, Gooi en Vecht and Recreatie Noord-Holland. Staatsbosbeheer supported the development of a special instrument with lets you see which green and blue spots can be found in the immediate vicinity of your home or workspace. For the second edition we also partnered with Buurtgroen020, Anmec and Natuurfontein. 

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The power of #UrbanNatureAmsterdam is to bring together different parties who love the city. What we didn't know beforehand was that the makers would make so many friends along the way with people who wanted to share their knowledge and network. We thank them in person in an appendix on the map.

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Wat's new on this second edition of  #UrbanNatureAmsterdam?

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Discover, for example, the squirrel bridges in the Gijsbrecht van Aemstel Park, two new city parks, monumental greenery or the city's first tiny forest, new urban Snail Trails, the nature in the 'Port of Amsterdam', new partners, information about 'building with nature' or the updated top-10 lists of things to do in the city. The front of the map literally shows how much green and blue Amsterdam has to offer: the parks, (indoor) gardens, public gardens, natural playgrounds, sports fields, canals, lakes and forests. The back of the map full of information acts as an appeal to the user: discover nature, but also contribute to greening the city.

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Will be there an mobile application?

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The answer is no. There are enough digital propositions available to create or use existing cycling or walking routes in and around Amsterdam. The paper map is an detailed image of Amsterdam in 2012. It is literally a time document we hope that you’ll savour and keep close at hand to unfold regularly to go outside on a journey; alone or together with your family or friends.

 

Who is this map for?

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For everyone who lives, studies and works in this city or visits Amsterdam. It is also meant for all those thousands of people who love Amsterdam, cities, nature and / or cartography.

 

Your copy of #UrbanNatureAmsterdam

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We are very curious to hear from you about your first impressions. What do you think of it? Please share your experiences and suggestions with us.

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