In the shallow waters of the Netherlands lies a hidden beauty. An ordinary ditch can contain an extraordinary world full of life. Yet this life is increasingly under threat. A lack of shelter, dry hot summers and pollution are disrupting the ecosystem.

Sanctuaria Aquatica, a willow-woven insect hotel, offers an alternative refuge for birds and small aquatic animals. A safe haven where they can find food, take shelter, and nest. The willow branches will take root again, creating a growth site for water and bankside plants.

This project seeks not only to restore the ecosystem, but also to mend our own connection with nature. In our modern Western world, that bond has grown ever weaker. Embracing and practicing lost indigenous traditions, such as willow weaving, can bring us closer once again to Dutch culture and the natural world around us.

The call to help nature can feel overwhelming in a world full of big problems. That’s why we should focus our attention to what is near. For the hidden “small neighbors” in our own backyards, a small effort can already make a big difference.
Loving locally can rebuild the connection between people and nature.