There will be no nature cemetery in the Mantingerveld at Nieuw-Balinge. Natuurgevraven The Netherlands and Natuurmonumenten have decided to withdraw their initiative. This decision follows a negative advice from the Space Committee of the municipality of Midden-Drenthe and from the Provincial College.
A response from the province of Drenthe to the initiators shows that it is not rejecting nature in general, but that this specific location, adjacent to a Natura 2000 area, is not considered suitable for this.
Natuurgevraven Nederland and Natuurmonumenten have therefore withdrawn the principle of principle, with which the current procedure has been stopped.
Natuurmonumenten has since drawn up a new plan for the design of the area. The aim remains the preservation of the original heathland landscape and the strengthening of nature in the Mantingerveld, in line with the objectives of the Nature Network Netherlands. That means: increasing nature reserves, improving the quality of nature and connecting existing nature reserves.
In consultation with Prolander and the province of Drenthe, the area of approximately 22 hectares has been added to the still to be set up nature reserve Mantingerzand West. Based on conversations with local residents and those involved, it was decided to construct a new walking path. This path runs from the Hullenzandweg, along a bush to the Meeuwenweg, and connects to existing plans for a walking route from the village to Hoogeveenseweg. These plans were explained on 17 June 2025 during a residents’ meeting organized by Prolander.
After redesign, a small -scale, semi -open heathland with heathland, fens, Heischral Grasland and Struweel is created in the area. The area is expected to be managed with the help of grazers such as heaths and sheep.
The existing forest plot, once installed as a production forest, will be transformed naturally into a mixed forest. Natural values such as hiding places for roe deer, ties and birds are retained and are strengthened where possible.