Projectportfolio
A selection of projects is shown here, ranging from small gardens to large-scale restoration.
About Ecology Academy
“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.”
~
Marcel Proust
Our mission is to accelerate nature restoration in gardens and landscapes through education, for people, biodiversity and the climate.
Ecological education & ecosystem restoration
Ecology Academy is a registered Dutch educational institute offering highly practical courses on climate resilience, ecosystem restoration and regeneration – from gardens to landscapes. Accessible for everyone, in-depth for professionals.
Our approach
How? Ecology Academy integrates ecology and landscape design. Ecological design unlocks untapped opportunities: ecosystem restoration, climate resilience, and abundant biodiversity – creating thriving living systems and a deeper connection with nature. Healthy, resilient and full of life. Want to know more? Read: What is an ecological garden?
Nature is restored by emulating ecosystems, improving water and carbon storage, creating plant guilds, bringing soil to life, and through careful design of interconnected elements that form a healthy, sustainable whole.
Through design, consultancy and education, Ecology Academy helps transform depleted land and degraded ecosystems into enchanting, lush, resilient gardens and landscapes where people feel alive, vibrant and inspired. By training people, this transformation gains momentum, creating a ripple effect of ecological renewal.
Pushing the boundaries in ecological education
What sets Ecology Academy apart is a systems-based, dynamic and innovative approach, rooted in idealism. Key pillars are nature-based design principles, ecosystem thinking and a holistic view.
Our innovative training programmes distinguish themselves by:
- Online & on-demand – start anytime and learn at your own pace
- Professionally produced e-learnings
- Clear structure with videos, quizzes and gamification
- In-depth, concise, up-to-date and accessible materials
- Combining practice and fragmented knowledge into clear and actionable methods
- Focusing on what truly matters
- Directly applicable design frameworks, tips and examples
- Step-by-step guides and instructions that are easy to use
Learning for climate-resilient gardens and landscapes
Our programmes offer highly practical tools, powerful downloads and inspiration you can apply directly to your profession, project or garden. Curious to see how it works? Explore Climate Logic, our signature course featuring step-by-step guides, tools and downloads.
Scientific Basis, Publications & Reports
The foundations of Ecology Academy’s programmes are documented in professional publications and project reports. Below is a selection that applies — and validates — the approach in practice:
- Erosion and Water Management Plan (published on Zenodo | Academia.edu | SSRN (Elsevier))
- • Ecological Restoration Plan (publication on ResearchGate to follow in February 2026)
View all publication on Academia.edu.
About the founder
Ecology Academy was founded by Chris de Waard – environmental and natural scientist, ecological landscape designer and former lead lecturer ecological garden architecture. Want to learn more about Chris? Click the button just below, or scroll down to explore a selection of his projects.
Questions about Ecology Academy
Ecology Academy restores nature and accelerates ecosystem restoration through ecological education, via online courses – for gardens and landscapes.
Its focus is an integrated approach to climate, soil, water, and planting, encapsulated in highly practical e-learnings, clear and simple instructions, and powerful downloads.
What sets Ecology Academy apart is an ecosystem-based and practice-driven approach, alongside a clear learning storyline with practical, straightforward checklists.
Knowledge is in-depth yet accessible, so insights can be applied to projects right away.
Ecology Academy is officially registered as a Dutch educational institute and complies with the national quality code; VAT exemption applies.
Want to know more? Take a look at the general FAQs.
Projects
Explore real-world examples of ecological restoration and climate adaptation—from design to implementation and management. Click through for objectives, approach, implementation and outcomes.
In Ecology Academy’s projects, ecological design becomes tangible. Ecological design enables all elements—energy, water, plants and soil—to work together efficiently, whilst respecting the interactions between all living things and their relationship with the environment. A delicate dance of co-existence, where everything is connected: from a site’s character and uniqueness to the geometry of the design and the choice of plant guilds. The result is symmetry, synergy, resilience and a stronger connection with life.
Every project is unique. Nothing is certain—and everything is possible. Apply knowledge, dare to experiment—with powerful results.
Water System Design
Design and realisation of water systems: storage, infiltration, retention.
Ontwikkelde opleidingen
Ontwikkeling van ecologische opleidingen met erkend NLQF-niveau.
Services
Activities include design, consultancy and site visits across different climate zones. The focus is on ecosystem restoration, land regeneration, water management, soil improvement, planting, and increasing biodiversity.
For special projects – such as combating desertification, land restoration, regenerative land use, food forests and larger development projects – please get in touch.
You can also contact Chris de Waard for training or coaching. See the Consultancy page for more information.
Contact
Would you like to know more about Ecology Academy? Please check the general FAQs first.
About Chris de Waard? Read more here or on LinkedIn.
Do you have a project or need specialist expertise? Want to know more? Discover more on the Consultancy page. Or ask your question.
Please use the Contactform. Or reach us via info@ecology.academy or +31 6 29 555 131.