New eco-friendly toilets in Utrechtse Heuvelrug boost accessibility for all visitors
From April, visitors to Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park can use a new nature toilet, improving access for people with disabilities and chronic conditions. The initiative tackles a nationwide shortage of public toilets, making outdoor recreation more inclusive and stress-free.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Groene Entree Kaapse Bossen, Doorn (Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park) |
| Opening Date | Early April 2026 |
| Type of Toilet | Self-sufficient dry toilet (no water, electricity, or sewer connection) |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair-friendly |
| Additional Locations | Donderberg (Leersum), third site in the National Park |
| Funding Partners | Municipality, MDL Fund, Natuurmonumenten, Postcode Lottery, Province of Utrecht |
| Visitor Impact | 75% resorted to open defecation; 1 in 4 avoided outings due to lack of toilets |
| Target Group | People with chronic conditions (e.g., Crohn’s, IBS, incontinence) |
The municipality of Utrechtse Heuvelrug, in collaboration with nature organizations, plays a key role in enhancing recreational infrastructure. By addressing gaps in public facilities, they ensure nature remains accessible to all, aligning with broader national efforts to improve inclusivity in outdoor spaces.
Coffee for reading ☕
Openrijk brings government news together in one place, free and without ads.
But it does need coffee to keep it that way :)
Read the full translated article below
Nature toilet in Kaapse Bossen makes nature more accessible
Visitors to the Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park will be able to use a new nature toilet at the Groene Entree Kaapse Bossen in Doorn from early April. The project is a collaboration between the municipality, the MDL Fund, and Natuurmonumenten, with financial support from the Postcode Lottery and the Province of Utrecht.
What is a nature toilet?
A nature toilet is a self-sufficient dry toilet. It does not require water, electricity, or a sewer connection, meaning:
- no drinking water is used
- minimal impact on nature
- accessible for wheelchair users
Why are nature toilets necessary?
The Netherlands has too few public toilets, including in nature and recreational areas. Research by the Toiletalliantie (Toilet Alliance) shows that:
- 75% of visitors have resorted to open defecation due to a lack of toilets
- 35% have even openly urinated
- 1 in 4 Dutch people have avoided a day out because of the lack of toilets
What does a nature toilet mean for people with stomach, liver, and intestinal conditions?
For people with conditions such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or incontinence, access to a toilet is not a luxury but a basic necessity for venturing out. The urge can strike suddenly and unpredictably. Without a nearby toilet, this can lead to stress, embarrassment, or even the decision to stay at home.
Research shows that many Dutch people avoid outings due to the lack of toilets. For those with chronic bowel issues, this is even more pronounced. With nature toilets, we make our natural spaces more sustainable and inclusive, ensuring that everyone can participate.
From motion to implementation
Several years ago, the municipal council passed a motion for nature toilets in forested areas. This motion has now been successfully implemented. The first nature toilet has been installed in the Kaapse Bossen. A second will be placed at the Groene Entree Donderberg in Leersum, managed by Staatsbosbeheer, and a third will be installed at another location in the National Park. These toilets represent a significant step toward making forested areas more accessible to a broader public.
Council member Tom Zoutewelle: “Everyone should be able to enjoy our beautiful forests without worry. That starts with basic facilities, such as a toilet. We want to remove barriers for people who, for example, have physical discomfort. It is precisely they who should be able to access nature unhindered.”
Alderman Gerrit Boonzaaijer: “The nature toilet contributes to welcoming and inclusive recreation for everyone visiting our forests. This way, we make nature accessible to young and old, with or without physical limitations.”