Nature National Parks
In the upcoming 15 Nature National Parks, nature and biodiversity will be the top priority and, over time, will offer wilder nature experiences. Large grazing animals will help create an exciting landscape with more habitats for animals and plants. Ditches that were previously dug to drain water will disappear, allowing small lakes, ponds, and wetlands to return
What is Nature National Parks?
Nature National Parks are areas where nature is allowed to thrive and, at the same time, offer new and exciting nature experiences.
In Nature National Parks, nature is given greater freedom to develop on its own terms. The conversion of former production forests into undisturbed forest requires ecological restoration, which creates more light and diversity in the forest. We assist the wilder nature in its development by mimicking natural processes, fostering greater variation, and removing many of the traces left behind by the exploitation of natural resources.
How do we help the nature in Nature National Parks?
- Agriculture and forestry are not practiced, and the forests are left as undisturbed forest.
- Invasive species that do not naturally belong in Danish nature are removed.
- The presence of non-native trees is reduced, thereby creating more space for native species.
- Structural thinning is carried out in dense, uniform vegetation stands to create light wells, allowing sunlight to reach the forest floor and understory. Trees with microhabitats, decay, or cavities are preserved to continue contributing to biodiversity.
- Trees are intentionally damaged through a process called veteranization. This creates more deadwood over time, benefiting fungi, insects, and birds.
- Softer transitions between forests, meadows, and grasslands result in a more dynamic and varied natural environment.
- Large herbivorous mammals, such as cattle, red deer, moose, or horses, are introduced to create a more varied landscape and new habitats for plants and animals.
- The natural hydrology of the areas is restored, allowing small lakes, ponds, and marshes to reappear in the landscape.
- Fencing is used to keep animals in but does not restrict human access.
When we create space for wilder nature, it is always with the understanding that there must be room for all species – including humans.
The 15 Nature National Parks in Denmark
Establishment af Nature National Parks
The Danish Nature Agency, with input from local boards, will prepare project descriptions for the upcoming Nature National Parks in Denmark. As part of this process, both a national scientific working group and a national stakeholder working group will be involved. The project descriptions will be sent for consultation and finally approved politically.