Aarhus - Hede Enge

The pilot site comprises 70 hectares of farmland, just North of Aarhus. It is part municipality-owned, part privately-owned and is surrounded by fields, infrastructure and residential areas. The plan is to convert this land into a new nature area that builds on the very popular nearby Egå Engsø nature restoration project. 

• Years of farmland cultivation has resulted in low levels of local animal and plant life 
• The draining of streams and ditches has led to low levels of groundwater 
• As the area is low-lying, it is susceptible to flooding during wet seasons
• The area is currently less attractive for walking and nature experiences than nearby Egå Engsø, even though it has strong potential

• Rewild farmland so the valley can store more water and support richer plant and animal life. This will involve restoring and introducing varied habitats including meadows, streams, forest patches, dry heaths and flower-rich grasslands.
• Increase natural water retention by introducing new ecological features like ponds and open streams
• Use pumps, dams, and controlled water-table management to temporarily store water during extreme rainfall
• Improve public paths and access so people can safely walk, cycle and enjoy the restored valley and its wildlife.

Rewilding Hede Enge will turn intensively farmed land into a more natural valley that provides new homes for diverse plant and animal life, such as the migrating sea-eagle, while reducing the risk of flooding. For residents, more diverse natural landscapes with improved public paths and links to the neighbouring Egå Engsø nature area offer new and improved opportunities for recreational activities in nature.