A new nature and drinking water protection project in Denmark transforms 345 acres of farmland near Solrød into forest and wetlands, combining climate goals with recreation and clean water initiatives. The project serves as a model for sustainable land-use transformation across the country.
Major Danish Land Conversion Project Breaks Ground Near Solrød
A significant environmental initiative is now moving forward in Solrød Municipality, Denmark, where a joint project is converting agricultural land into protected nature areas and forest. Known as the Solrød Bæk project, the 345-acre (approximately 140-hectare) area located near the village of Havdrup will soon serve four key purposes: nature restoration, drinking water protection, climate adaptation, and recreational access for local residents.
The project is being led by HOFOR (Greater Copenhagen Utility), in collaboration with Solrød Municipality, the Danish Nature Agency, and KLAR Forsyning, among other partners. This cross-sectoral cooperation underscores how multiple environmental and civic interests can be integrated into a single initiative.
Balancing Nature, Water, and Community
The area where the project will unfold is of particular importance, as it contains Havdrup Kildeplads, a vital groundwater resource capable of supplying approximately 2.5 million cubic meters of drinking water annually to the Greater Copenhagen area. By removing agricultural activity from the land and implementing pesticide bans, the project significantly reduces the risks of groundwater contamination – an increasingly urgent concern in Denmark.
Besides safeguarding water, the project will fulfill broader ecological goals. The planned reforestation and wetland restoration will not only enhance biodiversity but also support carbon sequestration, helping Denmark to meet its climate targets. Local wildlife is expected to thrive due to the improved habitat, while residents will be able to enjoy expanded access to greenspace in the form of hiking trails, outdoor fitness installations, and picnic areas.
Collaborative Plan Supported by Local Landowners
One of the unique aspects of the Solrød Bæk project is the voluntary agreement among local landowners, who have either sold, exchanged, or placed restrictions on the use of their land. This cooperation reflects growing public awareness of the importance of environmental initiatives and the benefits they bring to the community – ranging from cleaner drinking water to flood protection.
During a public information meeting held at Havdrup Pump Station, around 30 residents gathered to learn more about the project’s details. Attendees were given a guided tour of the transformation site and invited to submit ideas for how the space should be used recreationally. Many proposed locations for new walking paths, shelters, and other leisure facilities.
A Phased Development through 2028
The next step for the Solrød Bæk initiative is the creation of a comprehensive site design plan, integrating both environmental and recreational elements. This phase will draw significantly from public feedback as well as ongoing feasibility studies, and it is set to begin later this month. The full implementation, including forest planting and recreational installations, is expected to be completed by 2028.
Through this initiative, Solrød Municipality aligns itself with national efforts to significantly increase Denmark’s forested and natural areas. This is part of a broader push led by Denmark’s so-called “green tripartite committees,” collaborative bodies tasked with redesigning rural land use across the country for conservation and climate readiness.
New Wetlands to Prevent Flooding and Improve Water Quality
As a supplemental part of the project, KLAR Forsyning will establish a stormwater basin and restored wetland area near the former Tykmose site. This infrastructure will collect and treat stormwater runoff from urbanized zones before it joins Solrød Bæk, delaying its release and ensuring cleaner water discharges into Køge Bay. The effort reduces the risk of flooding while also contributing to better water quality in surrounding ecosystems.
Pioneering a National Model for Sustainable Land Use
The successful collaboration among government agencies, utilities, and local landowners in Solrød Bæk is already being hailed as a national example. As Denmark moves forward with one of Europe’s most ambitious land conversion programs – transitioning swaths of agricultural territory into forest and nature reserves – this project offers a tested template for integrating environmental, municipal, and citizen-driven goals.
It stands as a powerful demonstration that water protection, climate adaptation, biodiversity, and public health can go hand in hand when stakeholders commit to a common vision.
