THE TREES IN

15 March 2023

We have 5 climbing locations spread across the Netherlands. And each climbing forest has its own climbing routes. Of course, these have to be maintained and we also regularly build whole new routes. Like at Klimbos Achterhoek in Ruurlo this winter. It had been on this forest's wish list for a long time and now route black has been realised! Super cool of course, but who devises such a route, decides which elements will be used and how will everything be hung in the trees? We are going to take you through the whole process, from the initial idea to the final opening of the route.

This time part 3: Route construction

Once all the lines hang in the trees and the order of construction is determined, the real work begins.

You can imagine that building at height is very intensive, on average around 6 people a day work in the climbing forest during the construction period. They all work 4 days in a row, after which the energy really runs out! For the construction of 1 route, a lot of time is allocated, e.g. for the construction of route black in Klimbos Achterhoek it was around 500 to 600 hours, i.e. around 17 days! Including finishing and registration/filing, a total of about 6 weeks of work is taken into account.

Once the materials are on site, it is time to get the elements and platforms into the trees. This is done using pulleys in the tree. Ideally, the construction crew builds a route from front to back, i.e. from platform 1, to platform 2, etc. Sometimes it is necessary to deviate from this, for example by wanting to use the working hours in a day as effectively as possible. You don't want to have to stop halfway through a platform because darkness falls, for example.

Once all the elements, platforms and guy lines are in the trees, the route is checked several more times to make sure the project is delivered properly. Then there is a very strict follow-up inspection by our employees, and if this does not yield any more flaws, the route can be opened. From then on, this route will also be included in the annual external inspections.

Klimbos Achterhoek will also have a black route from the new season, which opens on 25 February! This route goes up to 20 metres high and adds extra challenge to the Ruurlose climbing forest. Dirk Liebrand, location manager of Klimbos Achterhoek, comments: "The route has several unique spots and is unique in the Netherlands. I am most proud of the 4D cable ladder, because it gives a whole new dimension of climbing and it is a real eye-catcher! But secretly I am proud of the whole route, from the start with the stairway to heaven, which puts you all the way between the treetops with grandiose views, to the descent with cool, fast and long zip lines."

Ciaran Barsema, managing director of Klimbos Netherlands, adds: "Not only is there a new climbing route in Klimbos Achterhoek, but the forest will also celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2023. These two things are reason for a party and there will be one! On Friday 31 March next, the black route will be officially opened and there will be a special action to celebrate the 10th anniversary. We hope to see many guests and colleagues in the forest then!"

Photography: Marjolein Hameleers