Protection of Højstrup military training area proposed in Odense

Danmarks Naturfredningsforening and Odense Kommune have submitted a proposal to protect the Højstrup Øvelsesplads military training area in Odense Municipality, covering 186 hectares. The proposal was filed with Fredningsnævnet for Fyn on 29 June 2026 and was published in Statstidende on 3 September 2026 under the section on miscellaneous notices (Forskellige kundgørelser), journal number FN-FYN-34-2026.

The protected area

The proposal covers the military exercise ground of Højstrup Øvelsesplads, bounded by Rismarksvej to the east, Middelfartsvej to the south, Pårupvej to the west and Langesøstien to the north. The affected parcels, wholly or partly, are:

• Paarup By, Paarup, 31a
• Bolbro, Odense Jorder, 2he
• Stegested By, Paarup, 3e, 7c, 18a, 7000d

Purpose of the protection

According to the proposal, the aim is to secure and improve the area’s natural values and increase biodiversity, with particular focus on preserving and improving habitats for vulnerable and threatened species. It also seeks to safeguard the landscape values and to secure and improve the recreational values, including public access.

• To create a basis for nature management.
• To help Denmark comply with its international treaty obligations to protect nature.

Procedure and contact

The proposal, with annexes and the protection map, is available through the Fredningsnævnet announcement portal. Inquiries may be directed to Fredningsnævnet for Fyn at Retten i Svendborg, Christiansvej 41, 5700 Svendborg, telephone 24986698. The notice is signed by the Styrelsen for Grøn Arealomlægning og Vandmiljø in Odense on 1 September 2026.

For residents of Odense and nature interests, the proposal could open a large, currently restricted military area to public access while strengthening habitats for rare species. The outcome of the protection process will determine whether the 186 hectares become a lasting natural and recreational asset for the municipality.

Source: Statstidende, 3 September 2026, Forskellige kundgørelser (official reference: FN-FYN-34-2026).