The value of nature

translates into sustainable willow products

So much more is possible with willows than people think. Dick van Aalsburg knows that better than anyone else.  As one of six brothers, Dick runs the large and dynamic family business Van Aalsburg BV. A special willow or brushwood trade where traditional knowledge and modern working methods go hand in hand perfectly. "The innovativeness of Van Aalsburg provides new sustainable willow products and services every time."

Braiding with willows

For example, Dick talks about the huge willow fence used as a sustainable partition at a Rijkswaterstaat work. "Along the A9 near Amsterdam we are building a natural and beautiful willow fence. We are braiding the willow fencing on site. With this temporary sustainable fence we not only take away as much of the view of the work as possible, but also increase biodiversity." Van Aalsburg receives many positive reactions to the beautiful appearance of the willow fence as a replacement for a traditional construction fence.

Interesting alternative

Dick has noticed that natural materials are increasingly being chosen within the GWW sector. "This is partly due to new technologies that can guarantee production capacity and because these natural solutions are becoming more and more affordable. Especially when Product life cycle is included in the calculations, it becomes interesting for clients."

Embankment project in Coevorden: over a length of 3.4 km at Lutterhoofdwijk de Krim. The water quality and fish stock will improve and the biodiversity of the banks will be increased.

Shoring

Van Aalsburg is also installing pure Dutch shoring for general contractor Avitec. Buro Noord, the technical consulting firm, put Van Aalsburg as the supplier in the specifications. Commissioned by the water board, shoring is being installed over a length of 3.4 km at Lutterhoofdwijk de Krim (Coevorden). "Solid shoring, entirely sustainable and responsible," says Dick. "The willow branches with coconut cloth on the inside provide more life on that side of the bank. This improves water quality and fish populations and increases the biodiversity of the banks."

Branch bench

"When you combine artisanal work with materials of 'the past' with the technological developments of today, you get an enormous diversity of possibilities." Van Aalsburg demonstrates that like no other. Both for the business market and for private individuals. Dick proudly recounts the unprecedented enthusiasm on his latest development: the branch bank. "It's great fun to show what is possible with natural materials, as long as you keep thinking innovatively," he says. "The branch bench was developed together with designer Floortje Bijvoet." The sustainable garden bench basically consists of two metal profiles that can be filled with pruned branches. "That can be your own 'pruning waste' but can also be ordered along with the bench," Dick adds. This creates a practical, natural, sustainable designer bench. "Extremely suitable for placing in private gardens, but also in the outlying areas of Staatsbosbeheer and Natuurmonumenten, who could use their own pollarded willows for this," Dick concludes. The branch bank can be ordered in the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium via Van Aalsburg's webshop.