From May 13 to 16, a delegation from the Dutch national parks and partner organizations visited two Danish national parks; Thy in the Northwest and Mols Bjerge in the Southeast of Jutland. Denmark resembles the Netherlands in many ways, but at the same time, it differs in several aspects. The differences mainly lie in it being less densely populated and having more space for nature. However, Danish national parks face the same problems due to intensive agriculture, climate change, and a changing society. 

The participants of the 3-day visit to Denmark find a working visit to be a good way to exchange experiences and knowledge. Not only with national parks in other countries but also among the participants themselves. The National Parks Bureau (NBP) and the National Parks Collaboration (SNP) organized inspiring trips to national parks in England, Scotland, and the Drenthe parks in the past few years. 

Lessons Learned

What we can learn from the Danish national parks:

  • a long-term vision and resources from the (central) government help in achieving results;
  • the contribution of volunteers is very meaningful;
  • the Dutch healthcare system (governments, insurers) deserves a rethink and different policy choices, making more use of the significance of nature, landscape, and greenery for health;
  • national parks strengthen and connect policy implementation in the areas of agriculture, nature, nitrogen, recreation, public health, education, regional economy, and area-oriented execution; 
  • in the Netherlands, we can make more use of (European) fundraising and 'friendraising'. 

National Park Thy

The delegation visited various locations in the park and was briefed on nature conservation in the dune area, cultural heritage, engaging entrepreneurs, and sustainable tourism. An “outdoor school” was also visited, where young people (mostly from urban areas) stay for two years in nature. Nature as a source of inspiration to determine the direction in life that suits them. The ruggedness and grandeur of the area were felt by the participants during a walk near the Lodbjerg lighthouse. Here, dunes end on a real cliff. Simple huts offer hikers the opportunity to spend the night. These are also accessible to the disabled. They apply the 1-2-3 rule: 1 tent, 2 nights, 3 people. It can be that simple.

National Park Mols Bjerge 

On Thursday, May 15, the trip went to National Park Mols Bjerge. This park has a very different (gentler) landscape with green hills surrounded by the sea. The group received information about developments in the park, such as sustainable tourism and nature and health. The latter focuses on Mental Health, specifically that of men. Together with the municipality(ies), retreats are offered to them in nature. Municipalities are important 'supporters' here, also financially. As in National Park Thy, there is also a lot of collaboration with volunteers here. In Agri, the subject of 'rewilding' was on the agenda; Here, intensive cooperation takes place with landowners. Unique flora arises on the one hand due to the composition of the soil, but also because farmers do not use machines on some hilltops. Replacing stones from the ice age keeps the history and story of the area alive. There were remarkably few route markers and signs in the area.