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On 10 July 2020 the Dutch Green Foundation was established, with Hilda as chair. Its aim and mission is to help restore regional ecosystems and contribute to a better existence for the plant and animal kingdom — the natural life forms on earth.

Worldwide, 2 billion hectares of degraded land have arisen due to a long-standing imbalance between the pace of ecosystem destruction and ecosystem recovery. Our mission is to strengthen and connect individuals, families and organisations with the goal of reforesting the world by protecting and restoring forests on earth.

Beyond environmental reasons, trees and forests are an essential part of human existence. For thousands of years they have played a central role by providing shelter, building materials, fuel, recreation, landscape beauty and a proven source of relaxation and happiness.

In the autumn of 2019 we were allowed to welcome the entire crew and cast of “Boer zoekt Vrouw” at our restaurant It Ferhaal in Allingawier.

We were very honoured when the production asked whether the “speed dates” could take place and be filmed at our location. It was a number of wonderful filming days, but we had to keep it a secret — until the broadcast finally aired on NPO1 on 1 March 2020. Thank you for your trust in our restaurant and our services, “Boer zoekt Vrouw”!

Het Friese Museumdorp was a wonderful challenge and I am immensely proud of the business that now stands there. Restaurant It Ferhaal is a great asset and draw for the museum village. Many culture lovers and tourists can enjoy a beautiful new location in the authentic countryside of the municipality of Sûdwest Fryslân — old-fashioned and cosy, where culture and entertainment go hand in hand.

In early 2019 I decided to put my energy and creativity into new projects. Since then I act, among other things, as adviser for ROI asset management. I wish the foundation's board, the volunteers and all staff of It Ferhaal every success in the future with this beautiful museum village.

Hilda van der Meulen (1971) grew up in the Frisian village of Oudeschoot. She had a carefree, adventurous youth centred around equestrian sport.

Most of her classmates last heard of Hilda when she was crowned Miss Nederland in 1993. After that, Hilda spread her wings and spent years living among the high society of London and LA. What did her looks bring her? And what eventually made Hilda return to her native soil years later?

Anyone who mentions the Aldfaers Erf route thinks of Yde Schakel from Allingawier. From 1957 he bought properties with special stories, to later create a museum route through Exmorra and Allingawier that would draw thousands of tourists — the Aldfaers Erfroute.

Het Friese Museumdorp is the legal successor to the Aldfaers Erfroute foundation. Since December 2016, new leadership under museum director Hilda van der Meulen developed a determined concept to safeguard the village's continuity and prepare the museum for the future.

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Discover Benelux Magazine, March issue 39 — Aldfaers Erf.