About The Wilderness
what is the wilderness
The Wilderness is a knowledge portal and a network dedicated to nature restoration, using rewilding as a method.
Based on Denmark’s largest new rewilding project, the 800-hectare Saksfjed Wilderness on Lolland, this platform serves as a hub of knowledge, inspiration, and guidance on nature and biodiversity—whether you are a professional or a primary school student.
The purpose of this platform is to bring biodiversity to the forefront and accelerate change in collaboration with partners. Partnerships and the development of best practices are at the core of our approach, aiming to inspire concrete, evidence-based action for biodiversity conservation.
Vision
We are working to establish one of Denmark’s most important new natural areas and to become a platform for new knowledge, best-practice development, and communication on nature restoration.
Goals
1. Establish one of the most significant and unique new natural areas in Denmark. 2. Generate new knowledge and develop best practices through collaborations. 3. Inspire action by bringing nature restoration to the agenda—both nationally and internationally.
About the Wilderness
Vildmarken.dk and Saksfjed Wilderness are owned by the Danish commercial foundation Hempel Foundation.
In 2023, the Hempel Foundation acquired nearly 800 hectares of land, formerly known as Lungholm Inddæmning, at the southern tip of Lolland. The goal was to restore biodiversity in the area using rewilding as a method.
Saksfjed was chosen for its size, soil conditions, and location, which provide exceptional potential for nature restoration.
In addition to being the majority owner of the Hempel Group, the foundation’s mission is to accelerate lasting change in education and biodiversity.
The Team
Saksfjed Wilderness is managed by the Wilderness Team, which consists of biologists, nature educators, and conservation managers.
Some of Denmark’s leading experts and communicators in rewilding are responsible for running Saksfjed Wilderness.
Collaboration is essential to achieving our mission of accelerating efforts for more and wilder nature in Denmark—and we would love to collaborate with you as well!
See all the ways you can get involved below.
our approach
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 play a significant role in accelerating the changes 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 Planning
Self-sustaining and resilient ecosystems do not emerge overnight. To ensure lasting positive effects on biodiversity, our rewilding initiatives are designed with a long-term perspective.
get in touch
Want to join us on our journey toward a wilder nature? See all the ways you can get involved or find our contact information below.