The project BioScape

One project focuses on the restoration of Lake Byn and surrounding areas. Byn is a lobelia lake, which is a nutrient-poor freshwater lake. Lobelia lakes are rare in Denmark.

Normally, lakes receive nutrients from surrounding fields and from the discharge of drainage water. Byn has also been affected by drainage water, which helps to increase the content of nutrients in the lake (eutrophication). The addition of phosphorus and sediment has particularly deteriorated the condition of the lake. This has consequences for many of the rare species that have previously been registered in Byn. One of them is the small Sylblad (Subularia aquatica), which as the only place in Denmark grew in Byn, but unfortunately has not been registered since 2005.

In close dialogue with the local landowners, a plan has been agreed to reduce the supply of drainage water and nutrients to the lake. Agricultural operations will cease in the nearest fields to stop the supply of nutrients to the lake. And drainage pipes from the fields will be closed. The lake will then be cleaned up and sediment and sediment will be dug away from the lakebed.

Aarhus University has collected samples from the lake bottom and is trying to get any seeds of the various aquatic plants to germinate. If successful, the plants can be released back into the lake and help re-establish the lake's unique ecosystem.

Another project area is the island of Endelave, known for its wild rabbits. The number of rabbits far exceeds the island's 150 permanent residents. Every year, approximately 15,000 tourists take the ferry to visit the beautiful island.

The island is characterized by particularly valuable nature. Many rare plant species grow here, and the island is a breeding ground for many birds.

But the island's groundwater is threatened by pollution from surrounding agriculture, which occupies 60 percent of the island's area. Geological investigations of the underground show that groundwater resources and thus drinking water are limited. To avoid drinking water on Endelave will have to be purified in the future, or worse, that it will have to be transported from the mainland by ferry, BioScape is focusing on reducing the pollution of the island's groundwater reservoir.

Through multifunctional land consolidation, BioScape works together with the Danish Agriculture Agency to take agricultural areas out of intensive use. Multifunctional projects consider agricultural production together with biodiversity, reduction of greenhouse gases, climate adaptation, clean water environment, outdoor life and rural development. It all takes place through voluntary schemes, and there has been good support for the scheme from the local landowners on Endelave. In addition to the 35 Ha in the extraction catchment for drinking water, a further 68 Ha have been taken out of agricultural operation and converted into permanent nature. In addition, several agreements have been entered into with the landowners on the trade and exchange of areas to provide better rounding of the fields around the island property.

The third area is a low-lying coastal area, Åstrup fen. It is a larger summer house area. Behind it, two streams cut through the landscape. In case of heavy rainfall, they often cause flooding on nearby buildings and on roads etc. with large costs as a result of the water damage.

The project focuses on reducing the risk of flooding and simultaneously strengthening nature and biodiversity. Nature is today highly fragmented, making living conditions difficult for the many rare and native species of plants, amphibians and mammals.

In collaboration with the local landowners, the plan is to remove the low-lying areas from agricultural use. Natural hydrology must be restored by interrupting existing drains. Wetlands must be established, the streams must be re-circulated, and the water level must be raised. In the event of larger amounts of precipitation, the water will flow over the meadow areas, thereby creating a natural buffer zone. This will reduce flooding and thus reduce water damage and reduce costs and inconvenience from the damage.