Winter

Blog post description.

1/27/20262 min read

The eendenkorf (Eng. duck basket) is a human-made object, traditionally placed by Dutch hunters to provide wild ducks with a safe place to breed and to protect them from land-based predators such as foxes, martens, and cats, which naturally avoid water. Supported by a wooden pole construction and placed on quiet waters, these baskets help eliminate the threat of land predators during the breeding season, while also protecting ducks and their eggs from harsh weather conditions. (1)

Historically, hunters tended to reward themselves for improving the ducks’ nesting conditions by removing the first clutch of eggs laid in the basket. This practice was commonly legitimised by the belief that the first eggs of the year would often not develop into ducklings due to severe weather conditions.

Even though this assumed collaborative relationship between hunters and wild ducks was largely shaped from a human-centred perspective, hunters appear to have perceived their actions as reciprocal. While they provided a safe nesting environment, the ducks, in turn, were understood to “offer” something back.

This local tradition of creating safe nesting environments on the water for another species while receiving something in return became an important point of inspiration during a phase of reflection, reconsideration, and development for Meer Koet, Minder Afval.

After being kindly introduced to this cultural practice by our friend Wapke Feenstra, and put in contact with Hans, a traditional basket maker in the Netherlands with extensive experience in crafting duck baskets, Jaron visited Hans to learn more about the craft of willow weaving.

November 2025

December 2025

How can we translate the material properties and aesthetic qualities of traditional Dutch duck baskets into safe nesting platforms for garbage-collecting waterbirds in urban environments ?

Duck basket workshop with Hans in his studio in the Netherlands. Thank you for teaching us your craft.