My main research subjects are urban flora and citizen science. I am working on a citizen science project where we map out where and what different pavement plants grow in cities and towns, together with citizens. Additionally, we want to see if participants will develop more attention for urban flora.

More information about Nienke Beets

My main research subjects are urban flora and citizen science. I am working on a citizen science project where we map out where and what different pavement plants grow in cities and towns, together with citizens. Additionally, we want to see if participants will develop more attention for urban flora. For the outcomes of this project firstly, I am interested in researching the impact of anthropogenic (human) disturbance or maintenance practices on the species composition and distribution of pavement plants with the citizen scientists. Secondly, I want to focus on the impact of the project on lessening plant blindness and enriching the (urban) nature experience of the participants. 

Illustrations

Apart from my research I work as an illustrator. My illustrations are largely inspired by nature. Some of my botanical illustrations can be seen on the cover of the Pavement plant (Stoepplantjes) mini- and pocketguide published by the Hortus Botanicus Leiden and the KNNV. In 2019 I received the Joke t’ Hart prize from the NVBT for these botanical illustrations. You can check out my illustrations on my instagram (@nienkebeest) or my website www.nienkebeest.nl.

Publications