Crassula helmsii – swamp stonecrop or New Zealand pigmyweed – is an invasive plant species whose vigorous growth threatens native ecosystems. On the North Sea island of Terschelling, efforts have been underway since 2018 to curb the spread of this plant through various measures, with the aim of eradicating it completely from the island. The measures taken against this water-loving plant include, firstly, the pumping out of depressions in the dune valleys. In addition, the vegetation is dug up, deposited in dredged hollows in the dunes and covered with metres of soil.

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This mechanical work within the nature reserve confuses holidaymakers seeking relaxation and initially leaves them puzzled. This photo series aims to capture this confusion and the search for the reason behind these unusual measures.

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This series was taken in September 2026.