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National Flora and Fauna Database now freely accessible to everyone

By Johan van Soest.

Published: 2025-02-11.

Last modified: 2025-02-11.

The National Flora and Fauna Database (NDFF) contains more than 200 million verified observations of plant and animal species in the Netherlands. From 11 February 2025, these nature data can be consulted free of charge. This means that from now on, everyone can view and use these data to better understand, protect and manage nature.

No more subscription or application required

Previously, the nature data were only available to organisations that had a paid subscription to the NDFF, such as municipalities, water boards, land management organisations, knowledge institutes and ecological consultancy firms. These organisations use the data for research, developing and monitoring nature management and policy, for spatial planning and for granting permits. Previously, private individuals and companies could only use the NDFF by submitting an application for a delivery of specific data. From now on, the data on plants and animals in the NDFF are freely accessible to everyone.

Where does the data come from?

The observations in the NDFF are collected by volunteers and professionals and are shared with the NDFF by various organisations. For example, by species organisations such as the Mammal Society and the Butterfly Foundation, by Waarneming.nl, land managers and ecological consultancy firms. Governments such as municipalities and provinces also supply data. The NDFF continuously enters into new partnerships to connect sources of nature data to the database. The nature data is stored by the NDFF Foundation. The NDFF is managed by BIJ12. When publishing nature data, sensitive data, such as observations of vulnerable species and their habitats, are handled with care.

Demo film (Dutch)

View and download nature data?

Go to the gateway to the open data of the NDFF, the Flora & Fauna Explorer: https://florafaunaverkenner.nl(Dutch)

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