New areas to be given ‘protected nature’ designation in Denmark

A hilly area on Bornholm and the woods around the cliffs at Møn have been added to the list of nature conservation sites

The government parties together with Dansk Folkeparti want to add 30,000 hectares of Denmark to the conservation scheme known as Natura 2000.

That is an area slightly bigger than Langeland and the single largest amount of land added since 2004.

READ ALSO: Government splashes out for better nature

More specifically, the areas under consideration include the Paradisebakkerne hills on Bornholm, the woods near the cliffs at Møn where rare orchids bloom and areas of the Kongens Mose marsh at Løgum Kloster, which is one of the closest there is to jungle in Denmark.

A fair exchange
The Natura 2000 scheme has come under fire for protecting areas that were more or less agricultural land or residential areas, so the new initiative will return 30,000 hectares of that land to normal use.

“With the new areas, we will lift Natura 2000 restrictions from places that should never have had the designation to begin with,” said Pia Adelsten, Dansk Folkeparti’s environmental spokesperson.

“In this way, a number of farmers will once again be allowed to cultivate their land under the same conditions as their colleagues and we will avoid a lot of irritating bureaucracy and in stead, protect some areas that are actually worth protecting,” added Adlesten.

“I think it is important to protect nature in Denmark and I’m glad that we’ve agreed to protect more of the real thing through designating around 30,000 hectares as conservation areas,” said Jakob Elleman-Jensen, the minister for the environment and food.

After the summer holidays the environment ministry will engage in the process of hearings and consultations so that the final borders of the conservation areas can be drawn and approval sought from the European Commission.




  • In conversation with Conrad Molden: The man behind the mic

    In conversation with Conrad Molden: The man behind the mic

    He’s tickled our funny bone with countless wisecracks and clever wordplay, and in the process, made Denmark feel a little more personable to many expats. An international import himself, funny man Conrad Molden has successfully carved out a niche for himself on the Danish stand-up scene, but it’s taken a solid 13 years, much trial and error, and heaps of Danglish

  • Here Comes The Sun…

    Here Comes The Sun…

    I escaped from Denmark this winter to the south of France, where I was convinced that the sunshine would inspire me to write this year’s Crazy Christmas comedy show.

  • Volunteer Night 2025: when volunteering rimes with integrating

    Volunteer Night 2025: when volunteering rimes with integrating

    On Wednesday, April 30, from 17:00 to 20:00, Studenterhuset will host Volunteer Night 2025, a free event organized by the organization International House Copenhagen, which goal is to ease the relocation process for newcomers in Denmark

  • The international who shaped Copenhagen

    The international who shaped Copenhagen

    Anna Maria Indrio is one of the most important architects in Denmark, having contributed to shaping Copenhagen into what it is today. Among her best-known projects are the extension of SMK and Arken, as well as the Natural History Museum and the Darwin Centre in London. She moved here 60 years ago, when “Copenhagen was gray and dormant. Predictions suggested it would become depopulated. But putting people at the center changed everything,” she said

  • Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Fees were raised to reflect processing costs and curb repeat applications, creating debate over whether the new charges erect barriers to political participation for internationals.

  • Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    According to a report by the Danish Chamber of Commerce, internationals’ contribution is 12% of the country’s GDP. In 2023, it was 322 billion DKK, and in 2008, it was 136 billion DKK. “Internationals make a gigantic difference in our prosperity and welfare,” comments Morten Langager, the Director of Dansk Erhverv.

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.