Forests and their Importance

Why has so much valuable land close to Copenhagen been given over to forest?

Currently, forests cover about 12.4 percent of Denmark’s landmass. This percentage is very high because of all the benefits the forests add to the environment. So much of Danish land has been set aside for the preservation of these forests to hold onto the strong ties Denmark has to nature and being “green.” Many areas of these forests have been cut down to build houses or other types of infrastructure. In the area we began to look at, there were several large houses built, along the water. After they were built, the government stepped in and did not allow any more destruction of the forest for the building of houses any longer. This was mainly because of the recreational, ecological and social benefits that forests add to Denmark.

Forests, like parks are great places to enjoy nature. Forests have many recreational benefits that work alongside with social benefits to maximize the enjoyment of all of its visitors. In forests, like Store Hareskov and Bådfart, there are many trails and paths laid out for runners, cyclists and those who want to experience nature. Many people can be seen enjoying nature, bird watching, walking their dogs, fishing or sitting down taking in the sights and sounds that nature offers them. Within a forest, one can truly experience the serenity and peacefulness of nature, while separating themselves from their lives in the city. Forests also provide a wonderful environment for enjoying times with friends and family. The social aspect of enjoying a forest with others and enjoying the time that is spent together, work together to enhance the experience with one another. Along many of the trails are a number of different types of trees, including beechwood, English oak, Norway spruce and pine. The biodiversity of the trees also encourages a similar biodiversity in the fauna that can survive there. This ecological diversity allows for a stronger and healthier ecosystem, and these, along with the recreational and social benefits, provide a necessity for the preservation of land.

In many of the forests within Denmark there are large lakes. Within these lakes, Danes are able to swim, exercise, play and boat. This recreational use of the lakes encourages a healthy lifestyle, which in turn, makes Danes more happy and healthy. Ecologically, Denmark’s lakes also aid in making the area more diverse. While sitting by the lake, a variety of birds were seen flying around the lakes, and other small animals could also be seen (i.e. fish, insects). The ecological diversity of the lake also brings more diversity to the forests as well. Since all animals need water to survive, lakes and forests, when they work together, bring a wide variety of biodiversity to an area. Lakes also encourage tourism and bring visitors out into nature. Many people enjoy the use of lakes with friends and family, and they see it as a social place to meet up with others. This social aspect of the use of lakes goes hand in hand with the recreational uses, and the two together provide a place in nature to socialize, exercise, or relax among the natural beauty of the Danish greenspace.

By preserving the natural forests and lakes, and reducing the amount of deforestation to near zero, the benefits of doing so will only increase. In addition to the recreational, ecological and social benefits, lakes can also be used for drinking water if they are clean enough to drink. The Danish Forest Act of 2004 contributes to the cause to saving the forests, as its main points are to conserve and protect the forests, increase the area of forests, and promote sustainable management within the forests.