Riders warn new nature park could restrict forest access

Riders say plans for a new nature park in Bidstrup Forests could limit access and raise safety concerns over free-roaming horses, DR reports.

Ane Kirstine Ilsøe, who often rides in the forests on Zealand, said she feared a stallion might attack her or try to mate with her horse if she entered an enclosure. She said she would be reluctant to ride there with her horses and children and might ultimately have to move.

Lejre Municipality wants to establish the park across a large part of Bidstrup Forests, part of Skovhøjlandet, described as Zealand’s second-largest forest area. About 500 hectares of land are expected to be included. The plans call for free-roaming cattle and horses, which Ilsøe says would severely restrict her access to the forest.

Ilsøe, who is also a member of the park’s local board, said safety should be ensured for everyone using the state forests, including riders, cyclists and people walking dogs. She said she supported biodiversity but wanted solutions that kept people safe.

Elisabeth Sthur, who represents the Danish Equestrian Federation on the local board, also raised concerns. She said riders from across Zealand use Bidstrup Forests and called the park a serious restriction on their ability to access nature.

Lejre Mayor Michael Ralf Larsen said the municipality had listened to local groups and changed the project since setting up a local working group in 2022. He said the type of fencing planned around the park had also been changed.

The municipality is due to approve a consultation response on Monday evening. The response will be considered by the Danish Nature Agency and the Ministry of Environment before the park can be established.