Learning and community around nature
The vision for the school forest is to create a forest area that grows every time a child starts school in Aarhus Municipality, with each pupil planting a tree in the forest when entering primary school.

The forest provides a framework for school communities and education in natural environments. Pupils learn about the processes involved in planting a forest and follow the forest’s growth throughout their school years. Eventually, as the forest grows, children learn to navigate and survive in nature. Just as the forest is also an ideal education environment for learning about CO2 storage, photosynthesis, and biodiversity.

"At C.F. Møller our vision is to improve life for people and planet. So, it makes so much sense to contribute to this important and sympathetic initiative that restores nature, supports learning and activates young people in new communities. The future school forest will help promote the understanding and importance of our nature and climate. We hope the project will be a great inspiration and joy for many children in the future," says Michael Kruse, Architect and Partner at C.F. Møller Architects.

Vision and master plan: enhancing the natural terrain
Ajstrup School Forest enhances the natural terrain, linking the coast and nature areas at Ajstrup and Norsminde in East Jutland.

In the centre of the forest, a wetland adds a wealth of biotopes for animal and plant life. Apart from lookouts on existing hills, wild footpaths and a horse path, the forest has no built-up areas for, for example, fireplaces and shelters. It is up to visitors to create their own campsite and leave the area untouched when they leave. Such experiences contribute to the understanding that nature is worth cherishing and is more than just a backdrop for a walk.

"Children are nature's future ambassadors and a wilderness trip can help give them an understanding of all the values and resources nature holds. The good experiences in nature will hopefully motivate the children to take good care of it," says Jens Døssing, national chairman of “Plant a Tree”, who has helped coordinate donations and collaborations in connection with the creation of the Children's Forest and several other new forests in Aarhus Municipality.

The Children's Forest can potentially obtain a total area of 20 hectares. There will be only one forest road through the area and one cleared path. Furthermore, it will be up to forest visitors to make their own way through the forest, which will be allowed to grow wild. When the forest is fully developed depends on the support of the schools.