As part of the Urban Forestry – Wooded Commons graduation lab, this thesis project focuses on the relationship between wooded public spaces and social interaction. In an increasingly interconnected world, it is becoming evident that many environmental issues are, in fact, manifestations of deeper social problems. To address these challenges, it is not sufficient to rely solely on ecological or technical solutions; instead, we must uncover the underlying issues within the socio-ecological system. This research explores forests as crucial ecosystems for maintaining biodiversity and spaces that carry social connections and cultural meanings, and offer opportunities for sustainable economic development.

The region of Westland is used as a location to investigate in this research. In Westland, an economically driven region, the disappearance of green public spaces exacerbates pressure on both social and ecological systems. The area faces social-ecological challenges, including a lack of green space, cultural decline, environmental degradation, and social isolation. These complex and interrelated issues demand an integrated socio-ecological systems (SES) approach to create equitable, resilient solutions rooted in Westland's unique context. However, Westland has a long-standing history of horticultural practices, where groves used for production and recreation form part of its cultural DNA. This landscape legacy plays a vital role in shaping Westland's future.
This has led to the main research question: How to improve landscape quality and foster a resilient social-ecological system in an economic-driven region like Westland through redesigning wooded commons?

The findings from the literature study on social-ecological systems provide angles to understand the site issues through the perspectives of key actors and their interrelationships. Additionally, the study of the adaptive cycle, combined with the ecosystem services approach and spatial analysis of the site, helped derive the design's spatial and temporal concepts.

The outcome of this thesis is, firstly, a spatial and temporal vision for Westland, illustrating spatial strategies for each phase in the transformation from glass to grove. This is followed by the design of a regional park that connects Naaldwijk, Monster, and the Natura 2000 area. The park not only enhances ecological diversity by introducing woodlands but also fosters cultural identity, strengthens social connections, and creates opportunities for a more diverse economy.