Growing with the seasons – Learning space in our garden and food forest
As an intern Associate or Skilled Cultivator at Yugen Forest, you will work in our regenerative horticulture and food forests. You will be involved in sowing, planting, weeding, harvesting, composting and caring for the soil. You will learn to work according to the seasons and natural cycles, paying attention to biodiversity, soil health and climate. Depending on your learning goals, you will work independently or support others, such as volunteers or fellow interns. You will develop practical skills in cultivation as well as learn how to work together in an engaged and nature-oriented community.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for a motivated student with a heart for the earth, who enjoys working outdoors and has an interest in regenerative cultivation. You don’t mind getting dirty, like physical work and have an eye for detail. You work carefully and can deal with natural conditions such as changing weather or seasonal crowds. For the skilled role, it is important that you can also plan, take responsibility and dare to direct others. You are eager to learn, sociable and enjoy working in a team where connection and nature are key.
What do we offer?
We offer a learning place where you work with your heart, head and hands in the midst of nature. You will learn about ecological cultivation, soil health and seasonal work in a regenerative garden and food forest. You will receive guidance from experienced team members, work with volunteers and participate in real projects. We offer room for independence, reflection and growth, tailored to your learning goals. You will be part of a warm community, enjoy communal lunches with harvests from our own garden and work in a place where nature, food and well-being come together.
Who we are.
Yugen Forest – Where nature, regeneration and well-being come together.
Yugen Forest is a regenerative nature and retreat center on Roggebotstaete Estate in Dronten. We are a vibrant, inclusive community working together for nature restoration as well as human growth. Instead of profit as a driver, we choose well-being, connection and responsibility for future generations.
We manage and restore the landscape with food forests, permaculture gardens, herb-rich meadows and natural waterways. At the same time, we are a place of peace and inspiration, where people can come to themselves during retreats, ceremonies and silence walks.
We also host inspiring events such as forest dinners, open days, workshops and community job days. Our kitchen processes harvest from our own garden into delicious produce and meals for guests, volunteers and participants.
Yugen Forest is more than a place – it is a way of life where you may slow down, contribute and feel reconnected to the earth. Our community consists of volunteers, students, artists, farmers, people in transition, reintegration programs, social workshops and nature lovers. Everyone contributes in their own way: in the garden, the kitchen, organizing retreats or behind the scenes at events.
What typifies us:
- We believe that regeneration begins with collaboration.
- We deliberately choose a steward-owned structure, with revenues flowing back into nature and mission.
- We combine ecological nature management with guest experience, community building and meaning making.
- We create a learning environment where there is room for mistakes, reflection and growth – both environmentally and personally.
At Yugen Forest, trainees find a unique learning place full of meaning. A place where trees, people and ideas take root.
