Established in 2016, the De Utrecht natural burial site contributes both to the biodiversity of the surrounding landscape and to the hospitable character of the estate of the same name. Estate manager Raymond Gennissen and volunteer Harrie van Eekert explain the value of the natural burial site.
Around fifteen years ago, Harry Breviers - estate manager at De Utrecht at the time - was introduced to entrepreneur Joyce Sengers, who was searching for a suitable location to establish a natural burial site. After visiting several natural burial sites in England - where the concept was already more common - they designated part of the forest on the De Utrecht estate for natural burials.
During the development of the natural burial site, a substantial section of the conifer production forest was transformed into a mixed forest containing newly planted indigenous deciduous trees. ‘This way, a natural burial site helps enrich the surrounding ecosystem,’ Harrie explains. ‘Step by step, the forest is evolving into a diverse woodland ecosystem with high biodiversity. Even the human body, which becomes part of the cycle of nature, contributes to that process.’ Since its establishment, the team has continuously explored ways to further enhance biodiversity.
Creating a natural burial site involves more than preparing the natural environment alone. ‘It includes maintaining a register of those already buried or those with reserved plots, and closely monitoring groundwater levels,’ Raymond notes. ‘Establishing a natural burial site requires far more effort than one might expect.’
De Utrecht appears to have set a precedent in the Netherlands. The concept has gained strong momentum, with a growing number of people expressing an interest in natural burials. Harrie confirms this development: ‘In retrospect, a.s.r. demonstrated real foresight. The decision proved to be the right one - nature cemeteries have since emerged rapidly across the country.’
Raymond also considers the establishment of the natural burial site a sound decision. In addition to preserving income for a.s.r., accessibility plays a key role: ‘We feel it is important to make personal funeral preferences an open topic of discussion. The natural burial site accommodates burials in graves, urn interments and burials with a pet.’
In addition to generating financial returns for a.s.r., the natural burial site creates social value and broader societal impact. Both nature and people are central to its purpose. ‘A natural burial site gives individuals the freedom to create something meaningful from their passing,’ Harrie says. ‘A personalised farewell, rather than standardised arrangement from an organisation.’ The team supports families in shaping the farewell according to their wishes. Harrie: ‘We offer guidance and provide an environment that makes concluding life and returning to nature a meaningful experience.’ Families and relatives are supported as well. Many of the considerations that typically apply at traditional cemeteries do not apply here. There is no contract with an expiry date, nor is there a gravestone to be maintained or repaired. ‘That is what makes the natural burial site so special,’ Raymond adds. ‘There are no memorial markers, crosses or stones, and graves are not cleared after fifteen years. Instead, you can enjoy ‘eternal’ peace – and so can your family. I think it is wonderful that a.s.r. makes this possible.’
Harrie wholeheartedly agrees. Apart from being a volunteer at the natural burial site, he has already reserved his own burial place too. His connection to the surrounding landscape dates back to his youth: ‘The area lies just behind my parents’ farm in Reusel and was the playground for me and my sisters. We rolled down hills on an old bicycle held together with bits of rope and paddled in what we called the ‘sea’, a rain-filled sand pit created when sand was extracted for building foundations.
These memories resurfaced years later during his walks through the forest around the natural burial site. ‘That is when I realised: if I continue along this path and am buried here one day, the circle will be complete.’