Climate-Resilient Sandy Soils Network Day – 1 June 2026
In 2026, the Knowledge Network Climate-Resilient Sandy Soils will be launched: a network in which researchers, policymakers and professionals from the field work together on future-proof sandy soils.
The first network day will take place on Monday, June 1, 2026, at the Netherlands Water Museum in Arnhem.
During this network day, knowledge, practical experience and questions from the field come together. The program focuses on current topics such as drought, the sponge function of sandy soils, area-oriented working and the connection between research and practice. The day consists of inspiring plenary sessions, interactive workshops and plenty of opportunities to network and explore new collaborations.
The network day is intended for anyone professionally involved with climate-resilient sandy soils, such as professionals from water boards, provinces, municipalities, consultancy firms, knowledge institutions and social organizations.
Practical information
· Date: Monday, June 1, 2026
· Time: 09:30 – 17:00 (including lunch and networking drinks)
· Location: Dutch Water Museum, Zijpendaalseweg 26-28, Arnhem
· Participation: maximum 120 participants (first come, first served)
Register via the button below for the Climate-Resilient Sandy Soils Network Day.
Program
The program will be further filled in over the coming period; the final schedule will follow later.
09:30 – Arrival
10:00 – Opening & welcome
10:15 – Keynote
11:00 – Plenary inspiration sessions (Arco van Vugt, Province of Utrecht and Arnold Wielinga, Haskoning)
11:30 – Parallel workshops round 1
12:30 – Lunch
13:30 – Plenary inspiration sessions (including Marnix van der Kruis, De Dommel Water Board)
14:00 – Parallel workshops round 2
15:00 – Plenary closing
15:30 – Networking drinks
Workshops
The workshops below are currently confirmed. On the day itself, you can register for the workshops.
How to restore the sponge function? Effective measures on sandy soils | By Ellis Penning (Deltares) and Bas Worm (Waterschap Vechtstromen)
Encouraging stakeholders to take action: working in area processes | By Marijn van Asseldonk (Het PON & Telos) and Aafke Schaap (HAS green academy)
Atlas of absence: art and knowledge regarding the questions we do not ask | By Wietse Wiersma (WUR) and Marlies van Ree (WUR)
Transdisciplinary work in practice: how to organize it? | By Melle Nikkels (Aequator) and Peter van der Maas (Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences)
Landownership and legal issues (subject to change)
For questions or comments contact Veerle Joosen (HAS green academy) via kennisnetwerkzandgronden@has.nl.
This first network day is made possible by the KIN and the NWO‑NWA CASTOR project and is organized by HAS green academy, the province of North Brabant, the PON & Telos, and Wageningen University & Research.
