Jørn Aagaard in young forest planted in Hedeskov in 2012
Hedeskov was established in response to a growing disconnect between human activity and natural processes and the consequences this has for ecological conditions and human health.
The initiative is closely connected to the professional background of one of its founders. Through decades of clinical work as a fertility specialist, Jørn Aagaard witnessed a decline in reproductive health and became increasingly aware of how environmental conditions, including the widespread use of pesticides in conventional agriculture, may influence human fertility.
With over 40 years of experience in medicine, agriculture and land restoration, Hedeskov works across agriculture, forestry, buildings and food systems. The work is based on a simple premise: human health is shaped over time by how land is managed, buildings are constructed and food is produced.
Rather than returning to the past, Hedeskov focuses on developing approaches that operate within contemporary technologies and professional practice. The knowledge generated at Hedeskov is intended to inform professional practice beyond the site itself.
Founded in 2021 by Jørn Aagaard and his partner Jette Søndergaard, Hedeskov operates as a long term initiative that develops and documents approaches supporting both ecological systems and human health.
Jørn Aagaard in young forest planted in Hedeskov in 2012
Hedeskov was established in response to a growing disconnect between human activity and natural processes and the consequences this has for ecological conditions and human health.
The initiative is closely connected to the professional background of one of its founders. Through decades of clinical work as a fertility specialist, Jørn Aagaard witnessed a decline in reproductive health and became increasingly aware of how environmental conditions, including the widespread use of pesticides in conventional agriculture, may influence human fertility.
With over 40 years of experience in medicine, agriculture and land restoration, Hedeskov works across agriculture, forestry, buildings and food systems. The work is based on a simple premise: human health is shaped over time by how land is managed, buildings are constructed and food is produced.
Rather than returning to the past, Hedeskov focuses on developing approaches that operate within contemporary technologies and professional practice. The knowledge generated at Hedeskov is intended to inform professional practice beyond the site itself.
Founded in 2021 by Jørn Aagaard and his partner Jette Søndergaard, Hedeskov operates as a long term initiative that develops and documents approaches supporting both ecological systems and human health.
Jørn Aagaard in young forest planted in Hedeskov in 2012
Hedeskov was established in response to a growing disconnect between human activity and natural processes and the consequences this has for ecological conditions and human health.
The initiative is closely connected to the professional background of one of its founders. Through decades of clinical work as a fertility specialist, Jørn Aagaard witnessed a decline in reproductive health and became increasingly aware of how environmental conditions, including the widespread use of pesticides in conventional agriculture, may influence human fertility.
With over 40 years of experience in medicine, agriculture and land restoration, Hedeskov works across agriculture, forestry, buildings and food systems. The work is based on a simple premise: human health is shaped over time by how land is managed, buildings are constructed and food is produced.
Rather than returning to the past, Hedeskov focuses on developing approaches that operate within contemporary technologies and professional practice. The knowledge generated at Hedeskov is intended to inform professional practice beyond the site itself.
Founded in 2021 by Jørn Aagaard and his partner Jette Søndergaard, Hedeskov operates as a long term initiative that develops and documents approaches supporting both ecological systems and human health.
Regenerative practice at Hedeskov
Land stewardship
Hedeskov stewards 200 ha land (52%) and forestry (48%). Cultivation takes place without chemical input or intensive mechanical disturbance.
The work focuses on rebuilding soil organic matter and restoring soil biodiversity. Healthy soils improve water retention, nutrient balance, and long-term fertility, while increasing the land’s capacity to absorb carbon dioxide.
Substantial areas remain undisturbed to support biodiversity, and only a limited portion of the land is actively cultivated.
Livestock
Animals are integrated into the agricultural system. Cattle and pigs contribute nutrients to the soil and support compost production and soil improvement.
Managed grazing across meadowland and forest areas strengthens soil structure, nutrient cycling, and biodiversity.
Livestock is incorporated into a system in which soil, plants, animals, and people operate interdependently.
Building practice
Building at Hedeskov follows four guiding principles: reuse and repair, bio-based and locally sourced materials, landscape restoration and connection to place, people and context.
Buildings are treated as part of the wider landscape and function as components within the larger ecological system.
Food systems
The approach to food begins with soil quality. Soil health influences plant vitality and nutritional value.
Cultivation prioritises diversity, resilience, and nutritional quality. The way food is grown shapes its composition and contributes over time to human health.
Food production forms part of the wider system linking soil, plants, animals, and people.
Regenerative practice at Hedeskov
Land stewardship
Hedeskov stewards 200 ha land (52%) and forestry (48%). Cultivation takes place without chemical input or intensive mechanical disturbance.
The work focuses on rebuilding soil organic matter and restoring soil biodiversity. Healthy soils improve water retention, nutrient balance, and long-term fertility, while increasing the land’s capacity to absorb carbon dioxide.
Substantial areas remain undisturbed to support biodiversity, and only a limited portion of the land is actively cultivated.
Livestock
Animals are integrated into the agricultural system. Cattle and pigs contribute nutrients to the soil and support compost production and soil improvement.
Managed grazing across meadowland and forest areas strengthens soil structure, nutrient cycling, and biodiversity.
Livestock is incorporated into a system in which soil, plants, animals, and people operate interdependently.
Building practice
Building at Hedeskov follows four guiding principles: reuse and repair, bio-based and locally sourced materials, landscape restoration and connection to place, people and context.
Buildings are treated as part of the wider landscape and function as components within the larger ecological system.
Food systems
The approach to food begins with soil quality. Soil health influences plant vitality and nutritional value.
Cultivation prioritises diversity, resilience, and nutritional quality. The way food is grown shapes its composition and contributes over time to human health.
Food production forms part of the wider system linking soil, plants, animals, and people.
Hedeskov Living Lab - Process & Architecture Report
