Oct 11, 2024
Forest Update: Our Thisted Forest is thriving in Denmark’s wild west
Discover the latest updates on our forest project in Thisted Forest, where the trees are thriving despite Denmark's rugged coastal winds.
In the North West of Denmark’s windswept west coast lies a forest close to our hearts: our first forest in Denmark, Thisted Forest. Acquired in 2021, this land, once home to rows of crops, has now transformed into a vibrant ecosystem filled with budding trees and new life. But how exactly are our saplings faring in these wild, often harsh conditions? Let’s look at the state of our Thisted Forest three years later. Spoiler: it’s going great!
How are the trees doing?
You’ll be happy to know that our trees are thriving, they're basically showing off at this point. Some of our Beech trees have reached a towering height of 2.5 meters. The Spruce is standing strong like seasoned defenders of the realm. The Maples are also coming along nicely, while the Oaks, ever the patient growers, are taking their time, as is typical for their species in this coastal area.
But why such a careful selection of tree species, you ask? Well, when planting near Denmark's western coast, you have to think ahead. The winds here are persistent year-round and can get especially intense in the fall and winter. That’s why we chose hardy trees like Sessile Oak, Maple, and Spruce. These species are built to handle whatever the Danish weather throws their way. And because we’re always thinking of the trees’ well-being, we even planted a thick forest edge (up to 20 meters on the windy sides) to give them some extra protection.
It’s not just about trees, but an entire ecosystem
Of course, our mission goes beyond planting trees. We’re all about fostering a full ecosystem, biodiversity is the name of the game! We’ve taken special care to restore and preserve the wetland area on the property, which had been artificially drained during its farming days. Now, this revitalised wetland serves as a popular gathering spot for local birdlife. We’ve even spotted a majestic grey heron and several other bird species making themselves at home.
We’re also supporting this diverse habitat with some help from grazing cows, who are excellent at keeping the grasslands healthy. And as our young forest matures, we’ll add even more features like deadwood, insect refuges, and stone piles. These will create cosy homes for all sorts of critters. Birdhouses, bat boxes, and even a wild bee hotel are also on our to-do list, ensuring that every creature, feathered, furry, or buzzing, has a place to call home.
We have other exciting projects coming up
Thisted Forest may be all booked up (all of the trees have owners), but our work in Denmark is still ongoing. If you want to contribute to our reforestation efforts, check out some of our other exciting projects. For instance, we're working on the beautiful island of Orø, near Holbæk, where we have planted the Orø-Margrete Forest and turning a gravel pit in Northern Jutland into a sustainable forest ecosystem.
There are plenty more trees waiting to be planted, and we’d love for you to be a part of their journey—just as you may have been part of Thisted Forest’s success story.
