Forests and Forestry in Copenhagen

An open lawn adjacent to the forest and lake at Bådfart

The process of preserving, restoring, and managing forested lands has become a major movement for much of Copenhagen's metropolitan area. Like many other European cities, the allocation of greenspace and forest resources is constantly needed. The proper appropriation of this measure can sometimes be difficult to accomplish in these urban areas, but Copenhagen proves itself to be a city committed to protecting local forests. Copenhagen's forests provide numerous benefits similar to a traditional park, such as environmental, economical, and social. However, these large tracts of forests are different in that they permit effective natural resource management so that wood can be selected for cutting, and bodies of water can be used for drinking water purposes. Moreover, this land can be used for numerous recreational activities that otherwise would be inappropriate to do in a traditional city park (e.g. fishing, long distance rowing, water sports). All of these aspects, along with the progressive and respectful Danish environmentalism mindset, contribute to the cause of sequestering valuable land for forest in Metropolitan Copenhagen.

Two men fishing to the left, along the lake.

In Denmark, forests only cover about 486,000 hectares (11% of the total land area), making forested land a rare landscape throughout the country. As mentioned in posts prior, Denmark's long history of human settlement and agricultural production has caused almost all of the removal of natural ancient forests. Because of this deficiency, there is a lack of forest resource for the general public, driving the need for forest expansion and management. About ten years ago, Denmark established the Danish Forest Act in 2004, highlighting the need for conservation and protection, increased forest area, and the promotion of sustainable forest management. Within this paradigm, cultural values can be preserved in the forests, transcending the meaning of Denmark's landscape. This act was a major step in protecting Denmark's existing forests, as well as outlining the future for forests and forestry in the country.

In the capital region of Copenhagen, the presence of forest around the urban core is essential to this mission. One excellent example of this forested land would be Store Hareskov and Bådfart in Northwest Copenhagen. This extensive forested land surrounds a lake and its tributaries. Here, people can use the greenspace for recreation, fishing, and even controlled wood cutting. Having this reserve so close to the city, and a stone's throw away from the S Train makes it very accessible so that anyone in the Copenhagen metro area can take part in the experience. The allocation of all this valuable land helps makes this possible. The proximity alone makes it more sustainable in regards to transportation to and from the site, as well as creating an even larger greenspace so close to a major city. In a way, it works well for both private residences along the lake that want to maintain the natural beauty, as well as outside citizens who wish to take advantage of the numerous resources it presents. 

Our class waiting for the ferry