Welna is a family estate on the northern side of the Veluwe. Located between the towns of Epe and Nunspeet in Gelderland, Landgoed Welna covers nearly 600 hectares of forest, heathland and a few grasslands, with ten houses and outbuildings scattered throughout. Its vast woods, silence and sense of calm make it a unique place in the Netherlands. The estate was founded through the pioneering spirit of Buys-Ballot and has been in the same family for four generations. That pioneering spirit is still strongly present today.

Landgoed Welna seeks a balance between renewal, social impact and economic value creation. It is home to an abundance of wildlife, plant species and a remarkable history. Its value lies in being a family estate that is passed down through generations. Since early 2020, the fourth generation has taken the helm. Their aim is twofold. First, to safeguard the continuity of the estate by strengthening proven business models. Second, to introduce innovations that make the estate future-proof, while staying true to the tradition of an entrepreneurial and independently minded Welna. The family sets the direction for strategy and policy, but management and operations are entrusted to a professional team.

The estate is more than a collection of trees, houses and activities. Its essence lies in its values. One of the core values, which aligns closely with Spirit of the Wild, is connecting people and nature. On Landgoed Welna, the bond between humans and the natural world is self-evident. In the expansive, quiet nature of the estate, people can experience this connection anew. When people connect consciously with nature and with themselves, remarkable things can happen. This has now also been confirmed scientifically. People experience physical and mental relaxation, and space opens up for insight, inspiration and depth. This is captured in Welna’s social motto: Forest of Meaning. In both land management and commercial activities, the connection between people and nature remains central.