Translated from the danish article to english:

Odense's Largest Forest Becomes Significantly Larger

Nature Agency | October 28, 2026

More Forest to Explore West of Odense

The Nature Agency has purchased approximately 70 hectares spread across four properties, which together with a previous purchase of approximately 50 hectares will expand Elmelund Forest.

The forest currently covers 395 hectares, and the expansion of 120 hectares will increase the forest area by nearly one-third. The land will be converted from agricultural use to untouched forest.

Project Funding

The Nordea Foundation supports the new trails and contributes along with Odense Municipality and Water Center Syd to finance the land purchases. The Nordea Foundation has granted a total of 5.45 million kroner for the project, contributing to both land acquisition and construction of the Elmelund Trail.

• Odense Municipality co-finances the acquisition of the 120 hectares of land with 6.05 million kroner
• Water Center Syd co-finances the land acquisition with 6.75 million kroner

Beyond supporting Elmelund Forest, the Nordea Foundation has supported the first concrete projects in Odense Municipality's "Green Ring" through forest expansion in Højby-Lindved (9.5 hectares) and establishment of 8 hectares of new forest and nature between Bellinge and Højme.

Collaboration for Green Goals

The expansion is a collaboration between the Nature Agency, Odense Municipality, and Water Center Syd. It contributes to the "Green Tripartite Agreement's" goal of more forests in Denmark.

"We are in the middle of a historic restructuring of the map of Denmark, where more space must be made for nature and forest. The expansion of Elmelund Forest is a concrete contribution to this restructuring. This means more nature close to Odense, better protection of drinking water, and better opportunities for outdoor life. Fields will become forests here, and new trails will make it easier to get out and experience nature."
— Christian Rabjerg Madsen, Minister for Nature and Animal Welfare

Purpose of the Expansion

The expansion serves three main purposes:

1. Protect drinking water
2. Store CO₂
3. Create more space for outdoor recreation

New Trails Through the Forest

As part of the western expansion of Elmelund Forest, the Elmelund Trail is being established—a approximately 2.7-kilometer trail that will contribute to a continuous path through Elmelund Forest all the way to Bolbro.

"With the expansion of Elmelund Forest, natural areas and outdoor opportunities around Odense increase. We believe that more nature experiences and greater biodiversity can contribute positively to creating better lives."
— Christine Paludan-Mûller, Disbursement Manager at the Nordea Foundation

The Elmelund Trail gives visitors the opportunity to move through the new area and follow nature's development as fields gradually become forest.

The forest expansion simultaneously contributes to a larger connected forest and nature landscape from the edge of Odense out to Hesbjerg Forest.