I grew up in the New Land of the Netherlands: Flevoland, polders reclaimed from the sea, where every corner of the landscape is made by human hands. Growing up here sparked my curiosity about the stories behind this land: the reclamation, its impact on nature and communities, and the people who dared to start anew.

Over time, I became drawn to the stories of the Second World War: the planes that crashed here, the crews who never returned, and the families involved in later aircraft recoveries. These stories showed me how the past continues to resonate through the landscape.

Alongside my work with Polder Pathways, I also write stories from Dutch history at Their Story and host a children’s podcast, Holland’s Hidden Heroes, bringing history to life for younger audiences.

I’ve had the privilege of experiencing aircraft recoveries firsthand, including as project manager for the large-scale recovery of the Short Stirling BK716 near Almere. Being part of this work gave me a unique perspective on how human stories, technology, and polder history come together when a plane returns from the past after more than eighty years.

Building on this experience, I collaborated with international students to launch an e-magazine about BK716, combining historical research, storytelling, and education to create a platform for young people worldwide to explore and share history.

I have also worked to bring these stories to a wider audience through film and media. I contributed to the documentary Guy Martin’s Lost WW2 Bomber and appeared as a guest in The Unconventional Soldier, sharing my firsthand insights into aircraft recoveries and Dutch wartime history.

With Polder Pathways, I bring these connections to life. I guide small, thoughtful WW2 heritage tours that focus on the human stories behind the events, the lives, choices, and courage that shaped this landscape. I love showing how extraordinary this area is, and how much history lies hidden in a place that, during the war, was mostly still water.

For me, Polder Pathways is about preserving and sharing stories in a respectful, meaningful way. ‘Cause stories matter and they deserve to be remembered.

Lilian van Mourik