Expedition Voelspriet
When?
Observing nature is often done with our eyes, using binoculars, cameras or microscopes. But what if you see little or nothing? Then you can also experience nature, perhaps even more intensely: by smelling, listening, and feeling.
With Expedition Voelspriet, we explore together how to experience urban nature in other ways. We smell plants, listen to birds, and feel insects and leaves with our hands.
We gather observations, share experiences, and explore a different kind of nature research together, with our nose, ears, and hands.
In this way, you might discover something others never notice.
For whom?
Visually impaired and blind people in the Leiden area, as well as in two additional cities to be announced soon. A total of 10-15 people can join an expedition. If you are interested in taking part and/or would like to be kept informed about the outcomes and tools we use, please sign up for the interest list via liselotte@taxonfoundation.com.
And after that?
All participants will receive a Voelspriet kit to keep observing nature in the future and contribute to biodiversity in their environment. We will share the outcomes of the expeditions, experiences, knowledge and tips through a small report. We are also working on a scientific article to share lessons with other interested parties on how to increase the involvement of blind and visually impaired people in experiencing and monitoring nature, from scientists to policymakers.
IMPETUS is supporting our project. IMPETUS is funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement number 101058677. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.