The Hillig Meer natural cemetery in Eext wants to expand. South of the N33, more than twenty hectares of agricultural land must be converted into nature. Part of it can be used as a cemetery in the future.
Hillig Meer is now 53 hectares in size, and the expansion will add just under half of that amount. In addition to nature, there will also be an additional parking lot with 35 spaces.
Burials in nature are becoming increasingly popular. In 2013, 147 people were buried in a natural cemetery in the Netherlands, and in 2024 that number would have risen to more than 3,000. This growth is also noticeable in Eext.
Yet that is not the only reason for expansion, says steward Bram Calkhoven. “A grave is never cleared here, we have perpetual grave rest. This means that if you want to keep looking ahead, you always need new space.”
There is room for 400 graves per hectare. “But in practice it works differently,” says Calkhoven. “People can reserve a place themselves, but that is never efficient. And it is especially difficult for places with wooded areas. It’s all about giving nature space.”
The expansion area is located directly next to the existing natural cemetery and borders the N33. This concerns agricultural land that will be gradually transformed into nature in the coming years. “We designed the existing area more than ten years ago,” says Calkhoven. “There is also a large field next door, which we want to develop further in about five years.”
The landscape is arranged alternately, with different types of nature. There will be forest strips, herb-rich grassland and wet nature with water and gentle banks. In a lower part, space is made for water.
The new nature reserve will be publicly accessible. “We are not making it a closed piece,” says Calkhoven. “There will be paths and avenues so that people can walk.”
Because the area is located along the N33, the existing noise barrier will be extended. It will take a natural shape, so that the highway disappears from view as much as possible. “The road is there, that’s true,” says Calkhoven. “But with that embankment we try to limit its influence.”
It is not yet clear when the new area can actually be used as a natural cemetery. That could take another ten years. “We first want nature to develop,” says Calkhoven. “Only when this is well underway will we open the area.”
Moreover, not the entire area can be used for burial, as a large part has archaeological value and remains exclusively nature.
The Aa en Hunze municipal council will discuss the plan on February 5. He will then make a decision about the change of the zoning plan from agriculture to nature and a natural cemetery.
