What should a municipality do when planting a new forest to ensure it truly makes a difference in many ways? There may be several possible answers, but there is one clear method: tapping into the power of collaboration. That is exactly what the municipality of Oss chose to do. As part of the green initiative Forest of Oss (Dutch: Bos van Oss), a so-called “domain day” was organized, inviting employees to share their ideas. In my role as a creative strategist, I facilitated a brainstorming session focused on sustainability and inclusive experiences in the new green space. I guided participants through the creative process, helped structure their ideas, and explored different perspectives for the future. The entire day—including the interactive idea session—proved to be a valuable initiative.

About the project
Forest of Oss is an ambitious project involving the planting of no less than 20 hectares of new greenery between the towns of Oss and Berghem in North Brabant. The initiative is widely supported by the municipality, local businesses, educational institutions, village councils, and volunteers. The goal? To foster biodiversity, create a sustainable living environment for future generations, and showcase the impact of strong collaboration.

Shaping the urban forest
During the domain day, groups of participants cycled between different activities, one of which was the creative brainstorm. At a beautiful location, we tackled the central question: How can we make the Forest of Oss both future-proof and meaningful for all residents? Together, we explored perspectives such as climate adaptation, inclusive use, and sustainable design. The open, interactive setting encouraged participants to think outside the box, leading to inspiring ideas and new outlooks.

All in all, it was a valuable part of a day filled with curiosity and connection—producing concrete directions for shaping a resilient urban forest. A true example of collaboration in action, if you ask me. And a wonderful reminder of the power of the collective in practice.

Bos van Oss