Polder Pathways

’cause stories matter

About

I grew up in the New Land of the Netherlands, a part that didn’t exist during the Second World War. My province, Flevoland, was reclaimed from the former sea, a landscape shaped entirely by human hands. But beneath this land lie stories that were never meant to be forgotten.

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 also became drawn to the stories of the Second World War, the aircraft 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.

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

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

That experience also made me realise how easily stories can disappear and how important it is to keep passing them on. Not just today, but with future generations.

This is why I work with younger audiences as well, from collaborating with international students to co-creating a children’s podcast, Holland’s Hidden Heroes, together with a 12-year-old co-host.

I have also contributed to bringing these stories to a wider audience through film and media, including my work as advisor and fixer on the documentary Guy Martin’s Lost WW2 Bomber  and as a guest on The Unconventional Soldier podcast.

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. A landscape that, during the war, was mostly still water.

For me, Polder Pathways is about preserving and sharing stories in a respectful, meaningful way. A strong reminder to all of us that freedom should never be taken for granted.

Lilian van Mourik

Founder Polder Pathways

Experience & collaborations