Rural Policy

The outlying area, or the countryside of Aalten, is home to a variety of functions. The original area has been shaped and cultivated over the centuries by farmers into what it is today. The outlying area of Aalten consists of small-scale agricultural landscape interspersed with forest and nature.

In recent years, however, the functions of recreation and tourism have begun to play an increasing role in the outlying area. This role translates into the increasing demand for space to recreate and relax in an outlying area where the values of peace, space and nature still seem to be present.

On the other hand, there are the functions of agriculture and nature, both functions that seem to limit each other's development. Agriculture must grow and produce more efficiently in order to provide for their income. This in turn is at the expense of the expansion possibilities for nature and the preservation of the characteristic small-scale landscape. This in turn threatens the peace, space and nature that attract recreationists and tourists.

Thus, the many functions and developments in the outdoor area constantly threaten each other. But should we speak of threats, is it not possible to transform these fears into opportunities. This does require looking beyond your own street. Take off your blinders and look beyond agriculture, nature or recreation. Look at the big picture, an outdoor area where cooperation must and can be achieved.

By means of this rural development policy memorandum, the municipality of Aalten tries to combine the policies for the development of the outlying area in order to create an overview of the possibilities and the development vision for Aalten. Using this rural development policy, the municipality of Aalten can combine the competing functions that take place in the outlying area in such a way as to create a climate in which development, cooperation and living, working, living and recreating together are possible. It must be possible to live together in the outlying area!

You can request the rural development policy memorandum from the municipality.