The New Wilderness

10.0

2013•49m

The VARA TV series is made up of three parts in which the 'Circle of Life' of the Netherlands' most talked-about nature reserve, the Oostvaardersplassen, is central. Close to Amsterdam, in one of the world's most densely populated countries, on a piece of land that was under water forty years ago, a nature reserve of international allure has developed. A unique experiment is taking place here: nature is allowed to run its course. The result of this is an untouched piece of wilderness in the reclaimed Flevopolder. It differs from all other Dutch landscapes. Internationally, this piece of nature below sea level is rare. It is used worldwide as an example of the development of new visions of nature and the role of people in it. For many, this area is unknown, because most of it is not open to the public.

Production

Seasons

3 Episodes • Premiered 2013

1. Spring - New Life

The first episode introduces you to the protagonists of the Oostvaardersplassen: extroverted konik horses, dazzling kingfishers, a young fox family and other important residents. They are all followed for a year on their life path through the seasons. Spring has sprung in the Oostvaardersplassen and nature comes to life. Animals awaken from hibernation, look for a mate, courtship, mate, build nests and have young.

2. Summer - First Steps

In the second episode you can see how hard it can be for the animals in the Oostvaardersplassen. They take up the challenge of the natural ecosystem. Summer is an important time, all young animals must learn to stand on their own two feet. There is food in abundance, which is much needed because in the summer you have to get strong to get through the winter.

3. Autumn and Winter - Survival

In the third episode you can see how the Oostvaardersplassen is recovering after a long period of hunger and cold. The 'Circle of Life' can start again. It is getting colder in the Oostvaardersplassen. First there is the rutting season; red deer fight for the females. Then the hour of truth arrives. It's winter.