Discover the secrets of the Waaiden

Boomtijden is a unique project by the artistic collective Anaïs Berck, in which trees, people and algorithms come together. For a year, the artists investigated the unusual Waaiden in various nature reserves, including the Kalmthoutse Heide. With sensors, they recorded movements of the trunk, CO₂ recording, humidity and the influence of sun, wind and rain. From this data and conversations with managers, guides and visitors, a diary of the tree was created, providing insight into the hidden life of these majestic trees.

On 2 November at 1.30pm, An will give a guided tour of Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide. The walk will depart from De Vroente, Duurzaam Educatiepunt. Please book in advance via anais@anaisberck.be. The walk will last until around 4pm.

Want to find out more about this fascinating project? We spoke to tree registrar An Mertens about the collaboration between art, science and trees. She talks about how technology can help restore old ties with nature, and why a tree might be the best guide to learning to feel time. Read the interview here.