Syntropic Agroforestry Workshop with Renke de Vries
Invitation to a special workshop: syntropic agroforestry with Renke de Vries for temperate latitudes.
Date
20–22 November 2026
Day 1 in Berlin at the Waldgarten Britz
Days 2 and 3 at the Waldgarten Rehfelde
Location
Price
Syntropic Heros in Temperate Climate
This year’s Syntropy Workshop in Rehfelde will be a special highlight and a rare opportunity to delve deeply into the regenerative world of syntropic agroforestry (SAF) as developed by Ernst Götsch.
Together, we will learn how constructive systems – that is, systems that build up humus, increase soil fertility and restore ecosystem functions – can be combined with food production and aesthetic appeal within a single area. The theoretical part will take place at the Britz Forest Garden. This is a great opportunity to get to know this project as well, and in November we will have a heated room there for focused learning and discussion.
The two practical days will take place at the Rehfelde Forest Garden. There, for the past four years, we have been planting a new syntropic row every year and, step by step, building up a diverse and impressive collection of plants. This ‘mother ship’ serves as a place of learning, a testing ground and a living example of syntropic agroforestry in temperate latitudes.
What is particularly valuable is that, in Rehfelde, we can work with a system that demonstrates various stages of development and succession. This allows us to observe first-hand how plant communities change over the years, what has worked, where the challenges lie and what lessons have been learnt as a result. Together with Renke de Vries and Mara Ursprung, we will be establishing another syntropic row there.
Renke is one of the most experienced syntropic agroforestry designers, trainers and consultants in the temperate zones. After completing his studies in International Forest Ecosystem Management, he spent several months working with Ernst Götsch on his farm in Brazil. Subsequently, together with Mara Ursprung, he designed, established and maintained the syntropic systems at Gut & Bösel in Brandenburg for over five years.
There, they planted and tended over 18 km of syntropic tree rows on grassland and arable land, which remain inspiring examples of forward-looking, regenerative agriculture in our latitudes to this day. Renke has been working as a freelance consultant and designer since 2021. In 2025, he founded his own company, Syntropia. Today, they work across Europe as agroforestry consultants, developing designs, supporting projects and running workshops.
We are delighted to be able to offer this special workshop in collaboration with them, providing a practical opportunity to learn more about the opportunities, challenges and possibilities of syntropic agroforestry in our part of the world.
Renke de Vries
Mara Ursprung
Why syntropic agroforestry?
Syntropic agroforestry and restorative agriculture are important tools for responding to the ecological crises of our time. The approach was developed largely by the Swiss farmer Ernst Götsch and is based on natural succession – that is, the way in which ecosystems evolve over time from simple plant communities into more complex, stable forest ecosystems.
In syntropic agroforestry, plants are not considered in isolation but as living communities. Different species fulfil different functions: they build up the soil, produce biomass, store water, create microclimates, promote biodiversity and, at the same time, provide food, timber, fodder or other useful products. This results in systems that work with natural processes rather than constantly working against them.
What makes this approach special is the combination of productivity and regeneration: food production, carbon sequestration, soil fertility, climate adaptation, nature conservation and a significant increase in biodiversity can all come together within the same area. Syntropic systems thus demonstrate very impressively that agriculture need not only be less harmful, but can actively build up landscapes and make them more vibrant. Ernst also describes syntropic agroforestry as ‘Peace Farming’, a practice in which humans do not work against life, but support it. Behind this lies a broader idea: regeneration is not merely a different form of agriculture. It is about the question of what role we humans wish to play in living systems. We can destroy, simplify and exploit, or we can learn to support processes that bring about diversity, fertility, beauty and abundance.
Syntropy shows us that building, cooperation and vitality are not romantic ideas, but real core principles according to which nature and life on Earth function. If we understand these principles, they can bring about positive change in agriculture, community, education, the economy and our relationship with the Earth.
At the same time, establishing and managing such systems is challenging. It requires knowledge of plants, observation, regular care and a good understanding of dynamics, space, light and time. Syntropic agroforestry has still been relatively little tested, particularly in temperate latitudes.
This is precisely where we are starting in Rehfelde: we are developing a living learning and experimental system for syntropic agroforestry in our climate zone. The existing plots are already showing initial successes, challenges and important lessons learnt. This makes Rehfelde a place where we can explore together how regenerative agriculture can work in practice in temperate latitudes.
Program
Online introduction: Saturday, 14 November 2026 – 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm
Ahead of the workshop, we are organising an online session to get to know one another and to clarify a few basics and key terms relating to syntropic agroforestry. Topics include:
- Introduction and Motivations
- Introduction to and Principles of Syntropic Agroforestry
- Information, a glossary and sources for learning and further research
- Q and A
Three days of theory and practice
We offer a balanced mix of theory and practice. The workshop takes place in mid-November. It will be getting cold, but this is the best time of year to plant agroforestry systems in our part of the world.
The first day will therefore take place indoors in Berlin, at the Waldgarten Britz. That’s also a brilliant place to learn, and we’re really pleased to be able to be there.
On days two and three, we’ll be at the Rehfelde Waltgarten site with Renke and Mara. During the workshop, we’ll be planting another syntropic line in the Rehfelde Forest Garden together with Renke and Mara. It’s not just about the planting itself, but also about the decisions behind it: Which plants do we choose? What roles do they play within the system? How do they support soil formation, the microclimate, biomass, fertility and the development of the entire plant community over the coming years?
Together, we’ll learn, plant, observe, laugh and work directly within the system. There’ll be a guided tour of the existing syntropic areas, the project and the food forest systems at the Rehfelde Forest Garden. We’ll look at what has worked well in recent years, what has been challenging, and what lessons we’ve learnt from these experiences. In doing so, we’ll explore the key principles of syntropic agroforestry systems: diversity, density, temporal sequence, regular management and working in harmony with natural processes. We’ll also provide a practical introduction to maintenance and management, and discuss how such systems can be further developed and scaled up. There’ll be plenty of time for questions, discussion and shared reflection.
Anyone who, following the workshop, would like to continue learning, get involved and become part of the project has the opportunity to join Syntropic Heroes Rehfelde. We are a growing group of diverse people who are trialling practical solutions for regenerative food production, soil restoration and climate-resilient landscaping in the Rehfelde Forest Garden. In times of climate crisis, biodiversity loss and social upheaval, we want to show that agriculture can be conceived and practised differently: in a diverse, vibrant and community-based way, working with nature rather than against it. Together, we look after the syntropic areas in the Rehfelde Forest Garden and support the development of the food forest systems on site.
Workshop topics
- An Introduction to Syntropic Agroforestry according to Ernst Götsch: The fundamentals of an agricultural system that works with natural processes and builds up soil, biodiversity and productivity.
- Principles of syntropic systems: diversity, density, succession, pruning, biomass and soil formation as key tools.
- Analysis of the site, resources and objectives: We look at the soil, water, light, wind, existing vegetation and the project’s objectives.
- Design in four dimensions: space and time, planning plants in terms of area, height, depth and development over the years.
- Plant communities in temperate zones: the selection, combination and care of plants that together form a stable system.
- Practical planting of a syntropic line: Together, we’ll create a new line and give you a hands-on understanding of the planning, planting distances and functions involved.
- Management and maintenance: an introduction to pruning, mulching, soil improvement and the regular development of the system.
- Learning from other climate zones: insights from tropical and semi-arid regions, and what we can learn from them for our own latitudes.
- Observation and reflection on existing systems: What worked, what proved difficult, and what lessons have we learnt?
- Exchange and networking: a space for questions, meeting people and the chance to become part of Syntropic Heroes Rehfelde and FoodForestNetwork e.V.
Who is this workshop for?
The workshop is open to people with varying levels of prior experience. Day 1 begins with the principles and fundamentals, which are essential for a deeper understanding. If you already have in-depth practical experience with SAF – for example, if you have planted a row yourself, set up a system or managed one on a regular basis – you can also join from Day 2 and take part directly in the practical sessions in Rehfelde.
You’ll find the workshop particularly interesting if you:
- you have your own plot and think on a larger scale than just a flowerbed
- you’ve already attended one of our workshops and would like to explore the topic in more depth
- are involved in research, teaching or your studies and are looking for more practical experience
- work for an NGO, an initiative, a public authority or an organisation
- are involved in landscape, agriculture, horticulture, planning, education or transformation as part of your job
- want to integrate regenerative processes into your work, your project or your organisation
- Whether you’re a gardener, a farmer, a planner, a self-sufficient person, a project developer or a decision-maker
- you’re simply curious and would like to find out more about syntropic agroforestry in practice, and are looking for ways in which we can tackle the crises of our time.
The workshop isn’t just of interest to people who own their own land. Syntropy and regeneration can also be a source of inspiration if you work in education, project development, research, community processes, food systems or strategic decision-making.
When you register, we’d be delighted if you could briefly explain why you’d like to take part, what you hope to learn, and whether you have your own space, a specific project or a professional context to bring to the course.
Organisational matters
Registration: Places are limited. When registering, please tell us why you’re keen to take part in the workshop, whether you already have any projects or sites, and how you intend to share the knowledge you gain. Sign up now and be part of positive change!
Venue: Britz Forest Garden, Berlin (Day 1) and Rehfelde Forest Garden (Days 2 and 3)
Participation fee and payment:
The participation fee for the entire workshop is €320–450, based on your own assessment.
In addition, there is a charge of €15 per person per day for meals.
If you are unable to afford even the minimum fee of €320, please get in touch with us. We will try to find a solution together. For those who have already taken part in one of our workshops and only wish to attend the two practical days in the field, the fee is €220–350, based on your own assessment.
Your registration is confirmed once you have transferred 50% of the participation fee. The deposit covers the participation fee excluding meals. You can transfer the remaining 50% shortly before the workshop or pay in cash on the day. Of course, you are also welcome to transfer the full amount straight away. The meal costs of €15 per day per person can be paid via bank transfer or in cash.
Please transfer the deposit using the reference: WS-SAF-11.26. This is the only way we can clearly identify your payment.
Bank details
GLS – Gemeinschaftsbank Bochum
Account holder: FoodForestNetwork e.V.
IBAN: DE30 4306 0967 6015 0019 00
BIC: GENODEM1GLS
If you have any questions regarding registration, payment or participation, please contact Vale by email or telephone: , +49 178 6605 015
If you cancel up to two months before the workshop begins, we will refund the full amount already paid. If you cancel up to one month before the workshop begins, we will refund 50 per cent of the amount paid. Unfortunately, no refund is possible after that.
If, at short notice, you are unable to attend after all, you are welcome to pass your place on to someone else. In this case, please let us know in good time so that we can update the registration accordingly.
Catering:
Catering is organised by the fantastic support team at Syntropic Heroes Rehfelde and costs an extra €15 per person per day. If you have any special requests, allergies or intolerances, please let us know when you register.
Accommodation: As the workshop takes place in November and we’ll only be spending one evening in Rehfelde, we generally recommend travelling back to Berlin. Camping or spending the night in a coach or car is possible by arrangement. We expect that some members of our team will also be staying overnight. As always, it’ll be cosy and warm around the campfire.
How to get there:
Waldgarten Rehfelde: https://waldgartenrehfelde.de/2025/04/03/wie-du-zu-uns-kommst/
Before the workshop, we’ll also set up a messaging group to help people connect. This is where you can organise car-shares, and it might also lead to opportunities for a place to sleep or accommodation.
Waldgarten Britz: Leonberger Ring 54, 12349 Berlin
Disclaimer
Participation in the workshop is at your own risk. This applies to all aspects of the programme, in particular the practical work in the field, the handling of tools and materials, your stay, travel to and from the venue, and any overnight accommodation on site.
Participants are responsible for assessing their own physical limits, wearing suitable clothing and sturdy footwear, and handling tools, plants and materials with care.
The organisers accept no liability for accidents, injuries, damage, loss or theft of personal belongings, unless these are attributable to wilful misconduct or gross negligence.
Community
We want to create a space that is just as diverse, vibrant and open-minded as our polycultures. We welcome people with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives. There is no place here for hate, racism, sexism, anti-feminism, queerphobia or any form of discrimination. If you have any questions, concerns or issues relating to awareness and fostering a positive atmosphere, please feel free to contact Felix. He is our People Care contact during the workshop.
The North Meadow in the Rehfelde Waldgarten
Trainers
Renke de Vries
Renke studied International Forest Ecosystem Management at HNE Eberswalde and is a qualified arborist. He undertook several months of training and practical work at Ernst Götsch’s fazenda in Brazil. At Gut&Bösel, over a five-year period, he designed, established and maintained over 18 kilometres of syntropic tree rows on grassland and arable land. Since 2021, he has been advising clients across Europe on the planning, implementation and maintenance of syntropic agroforestry systems. He is one of the most experienced practitioners in the temperate zones.
Jens Hauck
Valentin Pallutt
Valentin is working with Jens and the FoodForest.Network on syntropic agroforestry systems in Senegal, from design and planting through to long-term management. He is studying International Forest Ecosystem Management and is writing his bachelor’s thesis on syntropic agroforestry in the Sahel. He is particularly interested in regenerative systems that function in the long term with as few external inputs as possible and remain stable and productive even in the face of increasing drought. He has completed training courses with Felipe Amato and Lilly Schmidtlein, as well as online with Scott Hall. In addition, Valentin works independently in tree care and is currently training to become a fruit tree specialist.
Mara Ursprung
Mara completed her bachelor’s degree in cultural anthropology and sociology. At Gut&Bösel, she spent three years gaining experience in establishing and maintaining syntropic agroforestry systems, as well as organising and coordinating the necessary workforce. She has been working with Renke de Vries at Syntopia since 2024 and also works on a freelance basis as a tree warden and arborist.
Kristin Pazina
Kevin Kurz-Klar
Kevin studied landscape architecture and subsequently completed an apprenticeship as an ornamental horticulturist. He was then tasked with developing strategies to combat ragweed in Berlin. For over six years, he was responsible for the management, maintenance and practical implementation of the woodland garden at Michelberger Farm in the Spreewald. There, he gained extensive practical experience with multi-layered, productive and regenerative planting systems. In Rehfelde, Kevin is one of the technical experts at Syntropic Heroes, alongside Kristin. He brings a wealth of botanical knowledge, extensive practical experience and a sound understanding of the establishment, maintenance and long-term management of living systems.
Who is this workshop for?
The workshop is open to people with varying levels of prior experience. Day 1 begins with the principles and fundamentals, which are vital for a deeper understanding. If you already have in-depth practical experience with SAF – for example, if you have planted a row yourself, set up a system or managed one on a regular basis – you can also join from Day 2 and take part directly in the practical sessions in Rehfelde.
You’ll find the workshop particularly interesting if you:
- you have your own plot and think on a larger scale than just a flowerbed
- you’ve already attended one of our workshops and would like to explore the topic in more depth
- are involved in research, teaching or your studies and are looking for more practical experience
work for an NGO, an initiative, a public authority or an organisation - are involved in landscape, agriculture, horticulture, planning, education or transformation as part of your job
- want to integrate regenerative processes into your work, your project or your organisation
- Whether you’re a gardener, a farmer, a planner, a self-sufficient person, a project developer or a decision-maker
- you’re simply curious and would like to find out more about syntropic agroforestry in practice, and are looking for ways in which we can tackle the crises of our time.
The workshop isn’t just of interest to people who own their own land. Syntropy and regeneration can also be a source of inspiration if you work in education, project development, research, community processes, food systems or strategic decision-making.
When you register, we’d be delighted if you could briefly explain why you’d like to take part, what you hope to learn, and whether you have your own space, a specific project or a professional context to bring to the course.
Testiminials
“The content was presented in a refreshing and practical way, and I was very impressed by the workshop leaders’ expertise. Right from the start, I couldn’t wait to get started.”
— Henrike Arlt, Lerndesign / nextlearning e.V.
“I really enjoyed the way we were introduced to syntropic systems and their complexity: from the theoretical background, through designing a guild in small groups, to the practical implementation.”
— Simon Hadden, Social Designer
“I’ve come to realise just how coherent the concept is, and how unnatural so much of what we often regard as normal or supposedly natural actually is.”
— Workshop participant from Berlin
“I was particularly impressed by the methodical approach of thinking and working in four dimensions.”
— A participant in a previous workshop
‘It really motivated me to finally get started myself.’
— A participant in a previous workshop
“The positive, relaxed atmosphere was particularly good – despite the urgency to act and the many hurdles. Well done!”
— A participant in a previous workshop
“I was really delighted to see that sustainable and healthy business practices are possible.”
— A participant in a previous workshop
“I’ve learnt to take space, time and the surroundings into account in my design work.”
— Participant in a previous workshop
Impressions
