The Danish National Church owns thousands of acres of farmland that could support Denmark’s green transition by creating new forests and wetlands. But complex regulations and lack of funding have left the plan largely stalled.
The Church’s Land Could Play a Key Role
The Church of Denmark, also known as the Folkekirke, is one of the country’s largest landowners. Much of its land is currently leased to farmers for conventional agriculture. However, environmental organizations point out that converting these properties into natural habitats, forests, and wetlands could make a real difference for biodiversity and the national climate goals. This effort aligns closely with Denmark’s broader initiative to convert farmland to forest and wetlands.
Out of roughly 16,500 hectares owned by the church, about 8,200 hectares are leased to agriculture. Experts estimate that nearly 4,000 hectares could be transformed into natural landscapes benefiting local wildlife. Even small parcels would help link fragmented habitats and strengthen ecosystems across the country.
Ambitious Plans Facing Financial Roadblocks
In 2023, the Folkekirke announced plans to dedicate thousands of hectares to forest and nature restoration. This move was welcomed by environmental groups, which viewed the church’s participation as a meaningful contribution to Denmark’s “green transition.” However, the initiative has slowed dramatically. To date, only between 200 and 300 hectares have actually been converted.
The main obstacle is financial. Many parish councils depend heavily on income from leasing farmland. If they stop renting out their land, those revenues disappear, leaving less money for maintaining centuries-old church buildings or hosting community events such as concerts and baptisms.
For smaller parishes especially, letting go of agricultural income could threaten everyday operations. As a result, several parishes have chosen to postpone or entirely abandon conversion projects they had planned to undertake.
A Structural Challenge Rooted in Tradition
The tight connection between church finances and traditional agriculture dates back generations. Some environmental advocates argue it is time to modernize this model. They believe the Folkekirke should not rely on conventional farming profits to sustain its activities or preserve cultural heritage.
This debate also reveals a structural gap in Denmark’s environmental compensation system. Private farmers who decide to rewild their land or convert fields into forest can apply for state subsidies to offset lost farming income. Yet those same programs exclude the church. Without financial support, the church must absorb the full cost of restoring its land, which severely limits progress.
Government Signals Possible Change
The Ministry of Ecclesiastical Affairs has acknowledged this issue and is in discussions on how to fix it. Danish officials say they are exploring how to make it easier for the Folkekirke to participate in green land restoration, possibly by including church land in future compensation or subsidy schemes.
If reforms are introduced, parishes could finally unlock the potential of their holdings to support national climate and biodiversity objectives. The church’s land portfolio stretches across rural Denmark, often in areas where connecting natural habitats could produce lasting ecological impact.
Because of that, ensuring that parishes have financial stability during such transitions might determine whether Denmark can meet its ambitious environmental goals.
Moving Toward a Common Goal
Denmark aims to withdraw around 400,000 hectares of farmland from intensive agricultural use in the coming years. Including the Folkekirke’s land in that effort could significantly boost progress. Doing so would help restore wildlife habitats, absorb more CO₂, and create recreational green spaces for local communities.
Without economic and regulatory reforms, though, much of this potential will remain untapped. The general consensus is clear: the Folkekirke’s land could make a substantial difference in Denmark’s sustainable future if policy and funding align to make it feasible.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: Denmark Converts Farmland to Forest and Wetlands
The Danish Dream: Best Energy Providers in Denmark for Foreigners
DR: Kirkens marker kan gøre væsentlig forskel for den grønne omstilling – men projektet drukner i regler
