Raised bogs in Denmark

A LIFE project on the restoration of raised bogs in Denmark

Purpose of the project
The conservation status of active raised bog (habitat nature type 7110*) is poor and is undergoing further deterioration in Denmark. The project will improve this situation through the restoration and expansion of the natural habitat type at 10 locations in Denmark. The project is also aimed at the species Graphoderus bilineatus, Dytiscus latissimus og Leucorrhinia pectoralis, which are all part of Annex II of the Habitats Directive and in poor conservation status. The project supports the objectives in the Natura 2000 plans so that the conservation status can be improved for the nature type and the species the project focuses on.

The organization of the project
The project includes seven partners representing various nature and environmental authorities (municipalities and the state) in Denmark. The project is managed by Tønder Municipality.

Locations
The project is aimed at 8 Danish habitat areas (SPA) and covers a total of 1,174 hectares in Jutland and Zealand. Of this, 714 hectares are privately owned and 460 hectares are owned by the state. Today, the 10 project areas together contain approx. 214 hectares with active raised bog (7110*), but the dominant nature type is various stages of former raised bog, e.g. the habitat types forested peat bog and degraded raised bog.

Activities
Before the management measures can be implemented, 68 private landowners must be compensated financially for project participation. In some project areas, this will be done by using land distribution.

Overgrowth of the project areas with unwanted scrub and forest as well as drainage of the areas will be countered by carrying out clearings and by increasing the water level. In three of the project areas, there will be a focus on the project's insect species by improving the living conditions in and around watering holes.

Expected results
The project's management activities are expected to result in the following:

  • Conservation status is improved on 214 hectares of existing active raised bog (7110*)
  • 429 hectares of degraded raised bog must be restored so that in the long term active raised bog will develop (7110*)
  • 531 hectares will constitute buffer zones around the active marshes
  • The insect species will get 11 new habitats.

The project contains several activities aimed at involving the public, e.g. public meetings, information boards and follow-up groups. The project has a climate-improving effect because carbon accumulates in the peat layers that builds up in the bogs over time.

Time schedule
The project period is from August 2015 to end December 2023.

Project economics
The project's total finances are approx. 41.6 million DKK. The EU contributes 60% and the rest is borne by the parties.