Climate Lowland Project Øby

Map of the area.

In 2022-2025, the Danish Nature agency conducted a preliminary investigation of the possibilities for a the lowland project Øby, located in Nørre Ådalen, south of Ø Bakker, approx. midway between Viborg and Randers in Viborg Municipality. The project area is located in Natura 2000 area 30: "Lovns Bredning, Hjarbæk Fjord, Simested og Nørre Ådal samt Skravad Bæk" in Natureman subregion N30-11.

The investigation lead to the climate lowland project Øby.

The project covers approx. 258 ha, involving around 40 landowners. Project actions will be the disconnection of drains and ditches and, if possible, bring smaller, running watercourses in the area to the ground and re-flow them.

The project is expected to retain 4,858 tonnes of CO₂e annually, corresponding to 19 tonnes of CO₂e/ha/year. The expected nitrogen reduction is 5,266 kg N/year, corresponding to 20 kg N/ha/year. The calculations show that upon implementation of the outlined project, there will be an annual release of phosphorus of approx. 184.7 kg P. Overall, the project will contribute to improving the environmental condition and better conditions for animals and plants in Randers Fjord, and the stream quality in several smaller streams will improve. The project will improve the biodiversity and cohesion of habitats and nature types in the Natura 2000 area.

The preliminary investigation was carried out through voluntary agreements with farmers and is integrated with the multi-functional land consolidation in Nørre Ådalen. Through the multifunctional land consolidation, several wishes and needs in the area, such as e.g. recreational purposes, efforts that improve biodiversity, groundwater protection and arronding of agricultural properties.

Further information about the project can be found on the Danish Nature Agency website: .