Woodland or wetland? How the land determines the choice
Updated
Many landowners and municipalities face the same question: should the land be planted, or should it be rewetted? The rules often provide a clear initial answer.
Lowland soils point towards wetland
According to SGAV (the Danish Agency for Green Transition and Aquatic Environment), woodland creation grants are generally not available for lowland soils with more than 6% organic carbon, although there is an exception for small areas. Lowland restoration projects, on the other hand, specifically target carbon-rich lowland soils.
§ 3-protected habitats rule out woodland creation
Land receiving a woodland creation grant must not be a habitat protected under § 3 (Section 3 of the Danish Nature Protection Act). Planting on § 3-protected land is generally prohibited under the Danish Nature Protection Act.
Nitrogen reduction needs
If the land is near the coast in a sub-catchment requiring nitrogen reduction measures, a nitrogen-removal wetland may be relevant. According to SGAV, woodland creation applications in designated nitrogen areas are prioritised.
Checklist
- Check the lowland soil map in MARS (Denmark's land-use planning platform).
- Check § 3 registrations in Danmarks Arealinformation (Denmark's land information portal) and MARS.
- Screen the land in MARS for opportunities and conflicts.
- Assess the land's current condition using a drone or a site visit.
- Speak to the municipality or the adviser on taking land out of agricultural production.
Frequently asked questions
Can woodland and wetland be combined?
A project area can accommodate different measures, but each grant scheme has its own requirements. Clarify this with the municipality or the adviser on taking land out of agricultural production.