DENMARK, EUROPE
Kolindsund Wetlands
The Kolindsund wetlands are part of the Djursland sound, located in the middle of Jutland in Denmark, embedded in intensively used agricultural area. Kolindsund is a submarine area. The lowest points are about four metres below sea level.
In the summer of 1874, people decided to drain the lake completely for agricultural purposes. A main drainage channel was built and the total draining of the lake began. The lake has been completely drained and kept dry by means of extensive pumping. The area is used for farming. However, more and more of the old lake bed is being abandoned due to sedimentation in the organic matter of the lake bed. A large part of the lake, about a quarter, has been more or less abandoned due to the farmers' inability to keep the land dry enough for farming
What makes it special
This area was once the second largest lake in Denmark. In 1872, Kolindsund was acquired by a joint-stock company and essentially drained by 1880. However, the two pumping stations built in 1937/38 could not prevent the area from gradually becoming marshy again.
Biodiversity
Djursland is situated on one of the three main migration routes along the Danish coast. The area characterized by bogs, meadows, small lakes and ponds. The Kolindsund wetlands are home to a wide variety of birds and fish. 178 different bird species live here, including the Skylark, Golden Plover, Tundra Swan, Black-headed Gull, Red-necked Grebe and White-tailed Eagle.
Threats
Intensive agricultural usage and drainage leads to a high influx of nitrates to a lowering of the ground water level in the surrounding areas, and with the proximity to the sea, the rising of the salty ground water beneath the lake.
