The New Wilderness(2013)

The New Wilderness is a three-part Dutch documentary series exploring the Oostvaardersplassen, a nature reserve that has become an international model for rewilding. Located near Amsterdam on reclaimed land that was underwater four decades ago, this unique ecosystem represents a bold experiment: allowing nature to develop without human intervention. The result is a rare wilderness in one of the world's most densely populated countries, where animals roam freely and ecological systems evolve naturally. Though largely closed to the public, the reserve has gained global attention for its innovative approach to conservation and humanity's changing relationship with the natural world. The series follows the cycles of life within this extraordinary landscape, revealing how a forgotten corner of the Netherlands became a blueprint for reimagining nature.