This animal here is a Eurasian coot (in Dutch 'meerkoet'). It is a waterbird commonly found on waterways throughout many parts of Europe. Coots can be recognised by their white beak and the distinctive white shield on their forehead. Living on the canals of densely populated urban areas, they have adapted their way of living to what these human-shaped environments offer them...

Meerkoet?

Coot gather human litter from the water to build their nests.

Recent research shows that as much as 29.3% of the nesting material of urban coots consists of artificial materials (1,634 of the 5,579 items recorded). Some nests even contain more plastic than natural materials! (Hiemstra, Gravendeel, Schilthuizen: 2021)

How do we work together with this waterbird?

In early spring, we install nesting platforms along local waterways. In cities, waterbirds often struggle to find a safe and suitable place to nest. Their nests can be washed away by the waves created by passing boats or damaged by weather conditions. When no alternatives are available, birds sometimes build their nests in unsuitable locations, such as on high structures where young chicks may be unable to return to the nest on their own after falling.

Waterbirds, such as coots (Dutch: meerkoet), begin to get comfortable on the platforms — first as resting spots, and after a while, they often recognize them as safe nesting sites and begin building their nests. Alongside coots, other waterbirds (ducks, grebes,moorhens.) are also welcome to use the platforms according to their needs. While building their nests, coots gather increasing amounts of human litter from the canals, incorporating it alongside organic material. Besides various plastic packaging, materials such as ropes, cardboard, and drifting textiles also find their way into the emerging nests.

The human litter gathered by coots and removed from the waterways by us now has a chance to be recycled in a meaningful way.

Together, we take care of safe nesting and resting spots for local waterbirds, and coots gather human litter from the waterways on them.

After the breeding season, once the chicks have fledged and careful observation confirms that the waterbirds no longer use the platforms as nesting or resting sites, we carefully remove the human litter from the nests. This prevents it from washing back into the canals, breaking down into microplastics, and eventually being carried into our oceans.

Since the beginning of the second edition of 'Meer Koet, Minder Afval', we not only distribute floating platforms on the waterways, but also place hand-woven nesting structures for waterbirds on top of them. These shelters are inspired by the traditional craft of weaving duck baskets and are woven in a slow process, accompanied by helping hands we are very grateful for!

Nesting shelters and floating platforms in use, summer 2026