17/08/2025
Charles Burrell from Knepp Estate visits The Wilderness
The Wilderness
Vision
We work to establish some of Denmark's most important new nature and become a platform for new knowledge, the development of best practices, and communication about nature restoration.
The Wilderness explained
News
21 August 2025
Tauros Arrives in Denmark: Persistence Made It Possible
Q&A with Thor Hjarsen, Senior Biologist at the Hempel Foundation: After more than a year of paperwork, tests, and obstacles, 30 Tauros finally set foot on Danish soil. According to Thor Hjarsen the animals will not only help restore wild nature but also provide new knowledge through research.
Article
19 August 2025
The Tauros Arrives in Denmark to Boost Biodiversity
The Tauros, a giant ox resembling an auroch, is coming to Denmark for the first time. It will fill the role that the original aurochs had in nature before it became extinct.
News
12 June 2025
New Species in Denmark: Pseudoscorpion Appears in the Wilderness
For the first time, the pseudoscorpion Mesochelifer ressli has been found in Denmark. The discovery was made in Saksfjed Wilderness on southern Lolland.
News
19 May 2025
‘Dark Diversity’: New Research Maps the Hidden Potential of the Wilderness
Which species are missing in Saksfjed Wilderness – and why? A new master’s thesis sheds light on the blind spots in biodiversity and shows how new knowledge can strengthen restoration efforts in the area.
Article
10 steps to a wilder nature
Saksfjed Wilderness
Saksfjed Wilderness in numbers
Saksfjed Wilderness is a large, contiguous natural area located in the southernmost part of Lolland, Denmark, owned by the Hempel Foundation.
The area is protected under the Danish Natura 2000 law and has significant ecological potential, partly due to its size, soil conditions, and its southern coastal location. This means that Saksfjed Wilderness is an important stepping stone on the migration route of several species through Northern Europe. Many new species migrating from the south will also be able to settle here.
Size
800 hectaresDiscovered species
Redlisted species
How we work
The Wilderness was created to promote a wilder nature. That requires a multidimensional approach.
This is how we achieve our goals.
Ambitious on behalf of nature
We work for a wilder nature—on nature's terms. We believe that private actors can also make a significant difference in accelerating the development needed to support biodiversity.
Science-based
The Wilderness is a laboratory where we work systematically and evidence-based. Monitoring, baseline surveys, and research ensure that The Wilderness contributes to developing best practices for the benefit of everyone involved in rewilding, nature restoration, and biodiversity.
Collaboration and partnerships
The greatest changes happen when we work together – and we collaborate with everyone who shares our ambition for more and wilder nature in Europe.
Communication and education
Knowledge is a prerequisite for action, and we are generous with our knowledge. Through education, social media, and activities, we communicate about nature to children, adults, and decision-makers.
Long-term perspective
Self-sustaining and resilient ecosystems don’t emerge overnight. To ensure lasting positive effects for biodiversity, our rewilding initiatives are designed with a long-term perspective.