Wetland Project Velds Møllebæk

The wetland project ”Velds Møllebæk” was implemented in the fall of 2020. It is located in the Nørre Ådal, southwest of Ørum, in Viborg Municipality. The projects area is situated in Natura2000-area 30: “Lovns Bredning, Hjarbæk Fjord, Simested og Nørre Ådale samt Skarvad Bæk” in the Natureman sub region N30-13.

The wetland project “Velds Møllebæk” covers approx. 77 ha placed in Nørre Ådal east of Viborg city.

The retention of nitrogen is expected to be 5.8 tons N per year, benefitting Randers Fjord. Simultaneously, the wetland reduces CO2 emissions by 755 tons of CO2e per year.

Upon establishing wetlands, phosphorus is typically released in the first year after establishment. This release is estimated to be 248 kg P per year.

The main measures in the area include:

• Velds Møllebæk has been redirected into a meandering course at ground level
• The piped watercourse “vandløb fra Viskum” has been opened
• Drains crossing the project boundary have been directed to irrigation
• Ditches and drains in the projects area have been closed

The project was implemented in the fall of 2028 through voluntary agreements with the farmers and a land consolidation involving 18 properties and 77 ha. Viborg Municipality carried out the project in collaboration with the landowners.

For further information and a video about the project, visit Viborg Municipality’s website: Vådområdeprojekt - Velds Møllebæk ved Nørreåen - Viborg Kommune