Eric Stynes makes work spanning the fields of art, graphic design, art direction, moving image and spatial design — with an emphasis on meaningful research.

Uncommon Ground



A large number of bunkers lie dormant along the border of the Biesbosch National Park in the South of the Netherlands. Constructed as shelters to protect along the New Dutch Waterline during WW2, many of these structures never fulfilled their actual purpose. After nearly one hundred years of neglect, they have gained protected status as monuments, however they sit in varying levels of decay across the Biesbosch. Some have been co-opted into storage for farmers, but most have been sealed and fallen into decay.

One of these bunkers however, became the site of a conflict between two conservation groups. Nature and Birdwatch Biesbosch and Bunker Conservation Dordrecht disputed control over a large bunker which had become occupied by bats.

The bats’ occupation of the bunker triggered a series of events — snapshots of these events are collaged throughout this book. News reports, petitions, spacial interventions and the ultimate vacation of the bunker by the bats left a sour taste in the mouths of all involved.

This book is a collection of publically available research; alongside personal correspondence with individuals and organisations involved. Names of individuals involved have been redacted.