Ter Aar cemetery clears expired graves: what you need to know
Starting June 2026, gravestones and decorations will be removed from expired graves at Ter Aar’s Westkanaalweg cemetery. Relatives can still claim sentimental items, but unclaimed graves will be cleared to make space for new burials.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Westkanaalweg, Ter Aar |
| Action | Removal of gravestones and decorations |
| Affected graves | Expired burial rights, not renewed |
| Timeline | June 2026 |
| Contact for relatives | Municipality of Nieuwkoop |
| List of affected graves | nieuwkoop.nl/gravenruimen |
The Municipality of Nieuwkoop manages local cemeteries, including the enforcement of burial rights and maintenance of grave sites. This process ensures the sustainable use of cemetery space while respecting the rights of deceased individuals and their families.
Read the full translated article below
Gravestone removal at Ter Aar cemetery
We are removing gravestones and other grave coverings at the cemetery located on Westkanaalweg in Ter Aar. This involves graves for which the burial rights have expired and have not been renewed.
What does this mean
We are clearing these graves above ground. This means we are removing gravestones, plants, and objects such as candles and figurines. After this, it will no longer be visible who is buried there. As long as there is sufficient space, the graves below ground will remain intact. We are not removing them underground.
On our website, you can find a list of the graves affected.
When will this happen
We will remove the grave coverings in June. A specialized company will carry out this work.
For relatives and friends
We sent a letter to those entitled or contacted them in another way. They were able to remove and take away the grave coverings themselves. Some people have already done so. Would you like to collect a gravestone or object? Or does something on the grave have special value? Please contact us as soon as possible. We would be happy to discuss this with you.