Bufferzone (Buffer Zone) has been a research in collaboration with Dutch Research Insitute For Transitions – Erasmus University Rotterdam, that took place from January -July 2026 with a grant by Klimaat Initiatief Nederland.

In January 2026, researcher Ties van Daal and artist Erik van Lieshout started the research ‘Buffer Zone’ in the Peel, the aerea Erik was born. They spoke with a diverse group of inhabitants: farmers, environmental activists, ecological researchers, an organ player, former farmers. During this period Van Lieshout built a large installation, titled Buffer Zone, made of birchs, wood, metal, water, wooden organpipes, tubes and leaf blowers.

The large-scale changes in agriculture and water management are clearly visible on the Leegveld, where a buffer zone has now been set up that contributes to the maintenance and restoration of the peatland in the Mariapeel and Deurnsche Peel. To conclude this research, there was a gathering on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in which different perspectives and experiences of those involved in the area will come together.

It started at 11 am with a visit to Leegveld 51, Deurne to reflect on the transition of this place: The disappeared farm of the Geboers family where one now finds water: a buffer zone. With contributions from Astrid Geboers and researcher Ina Dijstelbloem, space was made for experiences and stories that are difficult to perceive within policy, procedures and politics.

After the visit to the Leegveld, the day continued at 12:30 pm at the new address of the Geboers family: Neerkantseweg 13 in Liessel with a lunch. At 1:00 PM there was a viewing and demonstration of the installation ‘Bufferzone’, a large sound installation about the Peel, which Erik had developed in recent months in the shed of the Geboers family. Poet Jolanda Kooijmans recited a poem that she wrote especially for this occasion.

After this, at 1:30 PM, there was  a conversation with Prof. Dr. Liesbeth van de Grift (professor of International History in relation to the environment at the University of Utrecht) and Yvon Manders (farmer, Deurne), moderated by Ties van Daal. About the tension between nature restoration and space for farming, and about the question of how agriculture, water and nature can relate to each other again in the future.