Finding your final resting place among tall grass, fluttering butterflies and wild flowers, more and more people are choosing a natural grave. This is evident from research by the Regional Bureau, the partnership between regional broadcasters and NOS. Since this spring, this has also been possible in Eindhoven at the cemeteries of the Sint Joris parish.
“We received more and more questions about the possibility of sustainable burial,” reports board member Nico van Dongen. There are already many natural cemeteries in forest areas nationally, but these are all a bit further away from the city. “The elderly people we spoke to in particular thought it was too far to go to regularly.” The land in question at the cemetery was previously reserved in the event of a major disaster or epidemic and is therefore now available for these types of ‘natural subjects’. “We have a beautiful wooded area here where it is possible, so one and one made two, it’s that simple,” says Nico. One child and an urn are now buried and three places have been reserved.
Natural burial
At natural cemeteries, someone is buried in a coffin or urn made of natural materials, without monuments or heavy gravestones. Only a wooden disk with personal information marks the grave.
Unlike a normal cemetery, where everything is tightly maintained and weeds are controlled with poison, nature is allowed to take its course here. Grass, flowers and wild plants grow freely and biodiversity is given space.
”A sustainable place”
There are several reasons why natural burials are becoming more popular. People find it relaxing to end up in a green environment, and for some sustainability plays a role. The natural graves are also less stressful for surviving relatives. “The children do not have to worry about the gravestones. It is agreed in advance how long someone can stay there, this is paid for and cannot be extended,” says Nico. “Then it is done and it is clear to the relatives where they stand.”
After that period, the coffin or urn largely decays, and the remains are reburied under the ground. A layer of sand is covered and a new grave can be used in the same spot, just like traditional graves. In this way, the place ultimately becomes completely integrated into nature.
”It’s actually a kind of park”
This place is special, precisely because it is located in the middle of Eindhoven, between trees and greenery. You can see the city buildings peeking through the trees of the forest. “It is actually a kind of park,” says Nico. The cemetery is freely accessible, visitors are welcome every day from about nine to six o’clock. Such a natural cemetery in an urban environment is still quite unique in the Netherlands, although the idea is slowly starting to spread. Nico expects that more and more cities will offer these types of green areas.
”I’m looking to get a place here”
Nico himself will also end up in this place later. What particularly appeals to him is the peace and simplicity: no stones to maintain, no worries for the children, and a grave that slowly blends into nature. “It is a peaceful, green environment where relatives can simply stop by and say goodbye, without anyone having to worry about the grave itself.”