In Denmark, there are plans to establish 250,000 hectares of new forest over the coming decades. The purpose of this afforestation is not only to mitigate climate effects but also to ensure clean groundwater, promote biodiversity, and create recreational values. Since climate is a high priority, many afforestation projects will aim to ensure carbon sequestration. Consequently, large plantations with fast-growing trees, especially spruce, are expected, often with less focus on biodiversity. To better incorporate biodiversity considerations into future afforestation projects, we, along with the Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management at the University of Copenhagen and numerous public and commercial partners, are engaged in a project called INNO4EST. This project aims to explore how afforestation can simultaneously address climate, biodiversity, recreation, and groundwater protection. Our part of the project involves studying biodiversity in existing forests to identify how to best promote biodiversity in future afforestation efforts.
Broadly speaking, there are four elements that determine which species will inhabit a forest: 1) the composition of tree species, 2) soil moisture and chemical composition, 3) forest structures (layering, clearings, forest edges), and 4) habitat resources (water, dead wood, dung, flowers, etc.), either individually or in combination, depending on the habitat requirements of the organism. Additionally, proximity to existing forests significantly influences the ability of species to establish themselves.
In 2023/2024, a team of bachelor’s and master’s students examined the relationship between tree age, tree species, and a range of environmental variables concerning biodiversity in forests in Aarhus Municipality. This research yielded exciting and surprising new results. In 2024/2025, there will be opportunities to participate in the INNO4EST project, where we will, in collaboration with the University of Copenhagen, study forests across the country. Our 'forests' are all located in Jutland. The goal of these studies is to collect data on plant and insect species, as well as soil fauna, and to conduct simultaneous measurements of the parameters that influence biodiversity (the four elements mentioned above). Additionally, we aim to initiate projects that examine biodiversity in self-regenerating forests, mixed forests, forest clearings, and forest edges.
If you find this interesting, feel free to drop by for a discussion about the opportunities, and please send an email first.
Jørgen Axelsen (office 1120 - 316)
Rikke Reisner Hansen (office1120 - 313)
Beate Strandberg (office 1110 – 3. floor)
The project proposal has been submittet 15.06.24