Rønnebæk Fælled

A young landscape growing around Næstved

Rønnebæk Fælled is part of a new belt of forest and nature areas encircling Næstved, turning former farmland into a patchwork of woods, grasslands and wetlands. Established in the 2010s as a near-urban recreation zone, it now stretches over roughly 100 hectares east of town, divided by the Ny Præstøvej road and lying close to Rønnebæksholm manor and Fruens Plantage. The area feels open and spacious, with long sightlines across fields and the distinctive Ås ridge shaping the horizon. Large sections of the fælled have been planted with mixed deciduous forest, while other parts are kept as open grassland to preserve the classic manor landscape around Rønnebæksholm. Sheep and cattle grazing help maintain varied vegetation, and scattered tree islands and old holms add structure and a sense of depth to the terrain.

Wetlands, wildlife and land art

Nature restoration is a key part of the story here. Drainage has been reversed in several low-lying sections, creating small lakes, ponds and damp meadows fed by streams and brooks. These new wetlands give breeding grounds to amphibians and attract waterfowl, dragonflies and a range of insects. A series of new ponds and amphibian pools has been laid out to strengthen biodiversity, while grazing keeps banks and edges open for sun-loving species. On the slope of Møllebakken, a land art project adds a cultural twist to the natural scene. The shaped terrain and artistic interventions play with views over the surrounding fælled and the Ås ridge, blending art, landscape and ecology in a way that feels characteristic of this carefully planned, yet still evolving, nature area.

Playful facilities for families and groups

Despite its relatively wild look, Rønnebæk Fælled is well equipped for simple outdoor living. A network of waymarked paths and informal tracks lead through young woodland, over open grass and past ponds and streams. Close to the main entrance you find a nature playground with natural climbing structures, a simple shelter or meal house for picnics, and designated fire pits for cooking over open flames. Scattered picnic tables offer spots to rest, and a primitive toilet supports longer stays. Two fenced dog forests on different sides of the fælled invite dogs to run off-leash in safe surroundings. The mix of short loops and slightly longer rambles makes it easy to adapt an outing to the time and energy you have, whether you are a family with small children or a group of friends looking for a relaxed walk.

Everyday walks, views and changing seasons

Rønnebæk Fælled is designed as an everyday green space for the wider Næstved area. The terrain is gently undulating rather than steep, with compact paths that are easy for most walkers, though not formally adapted for wheelchairs. From the higher points on the Ås ridge you can look across the young treetops, farmland and towards the buildings of Næstved, giving a strong sense of how the town and countryside knit together here. Season by season, the character shifts. Spring brings fresh green in the new deciduous forest and amphibian activity in the ponds. Summer is dominated by tall grasses, buzzing insects and long, bright evenings ideal for barbecues at the fire shelters. In autumn, the variety of tree species gives warm colours, while winter strips the area back to its landforms and big skies, making it a calm place for bracing walks.

A living project for future nature

Management here continues to evolve. New tree plantings, adjustments to grazing and further wetland work are gradually nudging the landscape toward a more natural, species-rich state. Plans include additional ponds, tree islands and experiments with low-intensity grazing that benefit both plants and animals. For visitors, that means each visit may reveal small changes: a newly opened view, a different grazing pattern, a more mature stand of trees. Rønnebæk Fælled is less a finished park than a living project in motion, showing how a modern Danish town can be wrapped in accessible, multifunctional nature where recreation, biodiversity and landscape heritage all play a part.