Moesgaard Forest Walking Seminar: Curated ruins and deep time experiments

In the 1960s and ‘70s archaeologist PV Glob was instrumental in establishing elements of a Prehistoric National Park in the area around the Moesgaard manor, involving relocated megalithic sites and the careful planting of forest types reminiscent of Denmark since the last Ice Age (his original plan for the park also called for its rewilding with wolves and bears). His intention was that the park should function as a didactic landscape that spoke of the effects of long-term climate change and human innovation through the Holocene. Today this early example of a self-consciously constructed Anthropocene landscape and experiment in rewilding exists as a series of ruins, largely forgotten and lapsing into disrepair. Playing at flaneur, we can stroll through the forest and reflect on decay, ruination, deep time materialities, and the idea of Moesgaard forest as a multispecies fantasy-scape.

Meet at 09h15 in the Moesgaard Campus courtyard. Dress weather-appropriate and wear comfortable walking shoes. The total route is about 4.5km with lots of opt-out and walk back options. We’ll end with a picnic on Moesgaard beach, so bring a costume and towel if swimming is an option. Catering will be provided.

Convened by Nick Shepherd.