For those who truly want to understand nature
Do you enjoy spending time outdoors and want to learn more about the biodiversity in your local area?
At KNNV Nature Society, you will meet over 8,000 like-minded people and can take part in excursions, lectures, and species identification workshops.
The Royal Dutch Nature Society KNNV is more than just a an organisation for nature enthusiasts.
With 45 regional branches and over 250 local special interest groups, we expand knowledge, protect nature, and make a real impact. Through observations, studies, and local initiatives, we make a valuable contribution to nature policy.
Together, we experience and learn more. Together, we stand strong for nature.
About KNNV
1. Nature experience
Many people join KNNV to explore nature together and enjoy what they observe during field trips. Beyond appreciation and wonder, members aim to understand how natural systems function. On a personal level, they are inspired by the beauty and complexity of the natural world.
2. Nature study
KNNV branches have many years of experience in monitoring and surveying natural areas. This work is carried out in special interest groups focusing on birds, plants, insects, mammals, fish, amphibians, and ecology. National working groups also exist for specific fields such as orchids, mosses, and insects.
KNNV works closely with national species monitoring organisations and land management organisations. Results of studies are shared with partner organisations and contribute to national biodiversity databases.
3. Nature conservation
Some branches actively work to influence local and regional policy makers through consultation, advisory roles, and cooperation with environmental organisations. In addition, many branches carry out practical conservation work, such as pollarding willows, grass mowing, or habitat restoration, complementing professional nature management.
4. Nature education
KNNV provides lectures, courses, and excursions for both beginners and experienced members. These activities focus on increasing knowledge of species and ecology and encouraging greater involvement in nature and conservation.
History
The KNNV Nature Society has a rich history, deeply rooted in nature and environmental protection in the Netherlands. Since its foundation, the society has played an important role in promoting knowledge about and protection of nature in the Netherlands.
Below is a brief overview of KNNV’s history:
Foundation and Objectives
KNNV was founded in 1901 in Amsterdam by a group of leading natural scientists and enthusiasts who sought to create a platform for sharing and deepening knowledge of nature.
From the outset, the society’s objective was clear: to promote the study of nature and to disseminate this knowledge among a wider audience. The society focused particularly on amateur naturalists, who at the time were often the primary researchers of local flora and fauna. At a later stage, nature conservation was added as a core objective.
Growth and Early Activities
In the first decades after its foundation, KNNV grew rapidly. Local branches were established throughout the country, where members met for excursions, lectures, and studies. A key aspect of the society was its strong emphasis on fieldwork, with members exploring nature to study plants, animals, and geological phenomena.
KNNV also played a foundational role in the establishment of “Vereniging Natuurmonumenten” in 1905. In 1960, an initiative within KNNV led to the creation of IVN Nature Education.
Scientific Contributions
Over the years, KNNV members have made significant scientific contributions. Many studies carried out by KNNV members were published in scientific journals and have contributed to knowledge of Dutch flora and fauna. KNNV was also involved in the establishment of national parks and nature reserves in the Netherlands through its efforts to study and protect the natural environment.
The publication of scientific contributions and other works to such an extent that it resulted in the establishment of KNNV Publishing House, which became an independent entity in 2008 and continues to publish numerous nature-related books.
The KNNV Journal Natura
Since 1906, KNNV has published the national journal Natura, featuring articles on field biology, nature conservation, and society affairs. Many regional branches also developed their own journals and newsletters.
Royal Status
In 1951, on the occasion of its 50th anniversary, KNNV was granted the designation “Royal”. This honour recognised the society’s importance to the Netherlands and its contribution to nature conservation and scientific knowledge.
Practical information
The Royal Dutch Nature Society KNNV is a national organisation consisting of 45 regional branches and more than 250 local special interest groups spread across the Netherlands.
KNNV Office
The KNNV office provides information about the society, organises nationwide projects, and manages national communications.
Postal address:
PO Box 310, 3700 AH Zeist, The Netherlands
Telephone: +31 (0)6 83504611
Email: bureau@knnv.nl
Staff
Ingeborg Schreuder (society affairs)
Telephone: +31 (0)6 83504611
Email: bureau@knnv.nl
Wanne Roetemeijer (communication and projects)
Telephone: +31 (0)6 83505025
Email: wanne.roetemeijer@knnv.nl or webmaster@knnv.nl
Yvonne Verschuren (membership administration)
Telephone: +31 (0)6 83504596
Email: ledenadministratie@knnv.nl
Public Benefit Status The KNNV has ANBI status (Public Benefit Organisation). This means that donations to the KNNV are tax-deductible for income tax purposes.
About KNNV Nature Holidays
Every year a KNNV committee (AKC) organises around 15 camping trips to interesting areas in and outside the Netherlands.
The AKC selects locations in advance and makes agreements with a campsite about a period of stay. Interested KNNV members can register with the AKC. This committee communicates with the campsite owner in the preparatory phase. Camp participants settle their own bill with the host.
In general about 10-30 people participate in each camp. They camp with their individual tent, caravan or mobile home and cook their own meals. Some participants will stay in a holiday cottage or apartment at the campsite or nearby.
Each camp has a committee, including a chair person, fieldtrip organizer, and an administrator. The chairperson coordinates the camp and maintains contact with the campsite host.
The field trip organizer prepares the programme and trips. Daily field trips are organized for camp participants but are not mandatory. Field trips usually start at 9 am.
From 8 to 9 pm camp participants gather to discuss the next day’s programme and share experiences of their past field trip.
Why join a nature holiday?
Each year, around 15 nature holidays are organised in beautiful nature areas across Europe, with a strong focus on the Netherlands and neighbouring countries. Destinations and programmes vary from year to year.
These nature-based holidays offer an active programme with daily excursions.
Participants can choose from two or three options each day, ranging from short walks to full-day trips, hiking or cycling, or visiting nearby towns. The program is flexible and largely shaped by the interests of the group.
A key feature of these holidays is the presence of knowledgeable participants with expertise in birds, plants, butterflies, and sometimes insects, molluscs, or geology, who enjoy sharing their knowledge.
Group sizes vary. Participants arrange their own transport, accommodation, and meals, while KNNV provides a campsite in a scenic natural setting. Each holiday is supported by a small organising team that coordinates the activities.
Evenings are spent sharing experiences and planning the next day. During summer holidays, families with (young) children often participate, with special activities organised for younger participants.
