About the gene bank

Since 2002, the Dutch Flevopolder has been home to a special collection of trees and shrubs: the gene bank of Staatsbosbeheer and the Centre for Genetic Resources, the Netherlands (CGN). Here you will find over fifty indigenous species of trees and shrubs thar are native to our country. The aim of this living gene bank is to protect genetic diversity in the Netherlands, which is essential for the conservation and sustainable management of forests and ecosystems.

Why a gene bank?

Of the approximately 100 tree and shrub species naturally occurring in the Netherlands, about half are critically endangered. Among these are very rare species that only occur in small remnant populations or as scattered individuals, such as wild apple (Malus sylvestris) and wild pear (Pyrus pyraster). For these endangered species, conserving genetic material in a gene bank (ex situ) is necessary as addition to preservation in the natural environment (in situ). 

Currently, the field collection is home to more than 50 indigenous species of trees and shrubs and more than 4,500 accessions that are native to our country and of which the autochthonous genetic resources are at risk. In the gene bank, the accessions are put together in collections, from which also seed is harvested. In this way, not only diversity is preserved, but the gene bank provides seed and plant material for restoration or new nature as well.

All collections of species in the gene bank where seed is harvested are listed on the Dutch National Register of Forest Reproductive Material in the category 'SI – Source Identified'. Only autochthonous plant material is listed in this category. You can only order seeds or planting material from a specific gene bank collection if it is included in the National Register.

Which trees and shrubs are in the gene bank?

The gene bank contains autochthonous trees and shrubs of native species, such as hawthorn, European white elm, black poplar, small-leaved lime and gooseberry. There are also wild apple and wild pear collections, as well as several varieties of roses. We are constantly working to expand and optimise the collections in the gene bank.

Do you want to see the full list of what is currently in the gene bank? Click here

Seed collection

For some species, a live collection is not suitable, for example because they do not grow well at the gene bank location. Other species are threatened by diseases, risking loss of material. Since 2022, CGN has therefore been working on a back-up seed collection of trees and shrubs in the Netherlands. As addition to the field collection, this helps to secure genetic diversity for the future. If autochthonous genetic resources of tree or shrub species are in danger of being completely lost, the seed material can be used to restore and reintroduce populations.

Who manages the gene bank?

Staatsbosbeheer (the Dutch State Forest Service) is responsible for the management and maintenance of the gene bank and handles the issuing of seeds and plant material. The Centre for Genetic Resources, the Netherlands (CGN) supports and advises Staatsbosbeheer in the composition, maintenance and documentation of the gene bank collections. This is done as part of the Statutory Research Task Genetic Resources, which is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV).

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Can I visit the gene bank?

Roggebotzand is a publicly accessible nature area managed by Staatsbosbeheer. A 3.7-kilometre track with information panels runs through the gene bank, introducing you to this special part of the Netherlands.