Speculative Essay on Peat Moss and De Onlanden for Into Nature

A speculative essay by Hille Engelsma, published on Mister Motley, explores the history and ecological significance of peat moss in De Onlanden, a water storage area west of Groningen, Netherlands. Written in the voice of the peat moss, the essay draws on Indigenous wisdom and Norse mythology to reflect on the region's transformation from wetland to agricultural land and back. It highlights the peat's role in carbon storage, noting that peatlands cover only 3% of Earth's land but hold more carbon than all forests combined. The essay recounts the historical drainage and peat extraction since the late Middle Ages, including the use of peat for brick-making in Aduard monastery, and the 1998 floods that led to De Onlanden's designation as a water storage area. It also references archaeological finds like the Yde Girl, a bog body from around 40 BC–50 AD, and the sacrificial offering knife from Appelscha. The narrative weaves in Norse myths, such as Jörmungandr, the world serpent, and Audhumla, the primeval cow, to illustrate themes of reciprocity and ecological balance. The essay concludes with a vision for the future, including floating cities and water-adapted crops like cattails and wild rice, aligning with the Into Nature festival's themes of art and ecology.