Regularly a pop-up walk reminds me of some of the fine green areas we have in Herning Municipality. Fine plantations, tended facilities and adapted wetlands - all places where we can go and see green. But “fine” is unfortunately also a fitting description, and green is often one of the only things you can see: green trees, green grass, green bushes and streams and lakes with green algae or green aquatic plants. There are also not many animals or insects left compared to what we have had.

Her(ning) is the place where threads are tied

  • we have become a hub; and although this now means that we can easily get away to all corners of the world, we must also watch as more and more animals and insects cannot come in to us. We have become an island, surrounded by large gray asphalted rivers.

Her(ning) is sustainable Last year, a decision was made to use 20 million to start “Sustainable Herning”, an association that will support companies and institutions in becoming sustainable, inspired by the UN’s 17 world goals for sustainable development. At the same time, there has been an increased focus on four specific of these 17 world goals in connection with the planning law, which is linked to Herning Municipal Plan 2021-2032. It’s a really good start.

Her(ning) must be wild on purpose! When eight percent of the known animal species in the world are extinct and 22 percent are in danger of suffering the same fate - then it is time for us to do something. But despite the fact that Herning Municipality is one of the largest in Denmark measured by area, not a penny has been set aside to transform the green deserts into wild nature with native plants, so Herning Municipality could also help to ensure the survival of species. Less grass, more wild nature - that is the means, the goal must be to become Denmark’s wildest municipality!

This reader’s letter has been translated from Danish.