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Nature restoration for every cremation

Pontes is collaborating with EcoTree on a sustainable initiative: for every cremation, either a tree is planted or a section of peatland is restored in the Vallei van de Zwarte Beek nature reserve in Beringen (Limburg). Through this initiative, Pontes aims to symbolically breathe new life into the place where life ends, thereby offering a cherished memento to the bereaved.

The bereaved can plant an additional tree or restore an extra section of peatland for a small contribution of €5 per tree or per square metre of peatland. This amount goes directly to EcoTree, which oversees the practical implementation of the nature restoration in collaboration with Natuurpunt. The bereaved receive an official certificate stating the location of the project. The project links remembrance and commemoration with caring for nature, thereby creating a lasting, positive impact.

‘We believe it is important, in difficult times, to offer some comfort and a message of hope and care for future generations to the bereaved. At the same time, the project highlights the growing need among people to link their choices – including those at the end of life – to meaningful and sustainable causes. Supporting nature projects and charities thus takes on a deeper dimension: it becomes part of the grieving process and a lasting legacy.’

Tom Wustenberghs

How does this work in practice?

For every cremation, Pontes either plants a tree or restores one square metre of peatland in the Vallei van de Zwarte Beek nature reserve in Beringen, Limburg. Bereaved families have the option of planting an additional tree or restoring an extra square metre of peatland, at a cost of €5. This amount goes directly to EcoTree and is in addition to the efforts made by Pontes.

If you, as a family, would like to take up the offer to plant an extra tree or restore an extra square metre of peatland, please inform your funeral director.

Your funeral director will inform Pontes of your request.

Pontes will liaise with EcoTree to ensure that your contribution to nature restoration is effectively carried out.

The amount for nature restoration will be included on your invoice from the funeral director.

Pontes will provide you, via your funeral director, with a certificate confirming where the tree has been planted or the peatland restored.

‘EcoTree is a European leader in nature-based solutions and specialises in engaging individuals and organisations in the restoration and conservation of ecosystems across Europe. With over 100 projects focused on the restoration of wetlands and forests in Germany, France, Denmark, the United Kingdom and Belgium, EcoTree offers a unique, comprehensive solution for meaningful, local and high-quality environmental initiatives. We advocate a holistic approach that encompasses sustainable forestry, biodiversity restoration, water conservation and carbon sequestration. It is wonderful to see how these efforts can contribute to creating a ‘circular legacy’ for the deceased.’

Thomas Canguilhem

About the Valley of the Black Creeck

The choice of the Zwarte Beek Valley was a deliberate one: this unique nature reserve is known for its fragile ecosystems and rich biodiversity, but is also in need of protection and restoration. Covering 1,300 hectares, it is one of the largest nature reserves in Flanders. The Zwarte Beek Valley is known for its extreme variety: from a waterlogged, peaty stream valley to the bone-dry, sandy drifting dunes on the heath.

A 32-kilometre-long string of green gems

If you explore the Zwarte Beek Valley, you won’t be surprised to find that the Zwarte Beek is a favourite resting place for many birds. The stream valley landscape literally has something for everyone: walkers can enjoy themselves to the full, cyclists and horse riders get their money’s worth, and children can romp about to their heart’s content in the play area.

The valley forms part of the wider stream valley landscape of the Zwarte Beek. This river stretches from Hechtel-Eksel to Diest. Like a 32-kilometre-long green string of pearls, ecologically valuable biotopes line its banks. Heathland, ponds, woods, fens, grasslands and meadows bring plenty of life to this natural haven.

The snipe as a barometer for nature

The snipe is a welcome sight in the Zwarte Beek Valley, because if this demanding bird is thriving, nature in the surrounding area is doing well. With its long beak, it searches for insects and worms in the marshy soil. It is no coincidence that this winged visitor lends its name to the valley’s visitor centre. Other important bird species that find a home in the Zwarte Beek Valley include the black woodpecker, the tree lark and the bluethroat.

Want to find out more or plan a visit? Take a look at the Valley of the Black Creeck page on the Natuurpunt website here.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What happens if I add a tree or a piece of peatland to the cremation?

Pontes works in partnership with EcoTree to plant a tree or restore a section of peatland in the Vallei van de Zwarte Beek nature reserve in Beringen, Limburg. This is a protected and ecologically rich area that requires active restoration. Your contribution goes directly to EcoTree to fund this work, in addition to what Pontes already does for every cremation as part of this initiative.

2. Where exactly will the tree be planted or the area of peatland restored?

The project is located in the Zwarte Beek, a unique nature reserve in Beringen, Limburg, known for its fragile ecosystems and rich biodiversity. You will receive an official certificate stating the location of your tree or the restored section of peatland. This serves as a lasting, tangible tribute to your loved one.


3. Why a tree or peatland, and what is the significance of this?

The initiative aims to create a ‘circular legacy’: symbolically breathing new life into the place where life ends. Peatlands and forests play a crucial role in preserving biodiversity, water management and carbon storage. By choosing this option, you leave a meaningful and lasting mark on nature in memory of your loved one.

4. Can we visit the site?

The Vallei van de Zwarte Beek is a nature reserve in Limburg that is open to the public. Although the certificate states the location of your tree or peatland, we recommend that you contact EcoTree for advice on visiting, as access to certain restoration areas may be restricted to protect the ecosystem.


Read the press release about the launch of the project here.

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