Embracing Urban Nature: The Hidden Value of Informal Green Spaces
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Chapter 1: The Importance of Nature in Urban Life
Access to nature is crucial for our physical and mental health. However, with cities becoming more congested, it is increasingly difficult to find ways to connect with the natural world in urban settings. While urban parks serve as key locations for nature engagement, our research indicates that informal green spaces—often unplanned and neglected—are equally vital.
People frequently turn to these informal areas, such as vacant lots and overgrown patches along railways, to experience nature just as much as they do in more formal parks. This observation prompts the question: should we be doing more to acknowledge and utilize these overlooked spaces?
The vegetation along railway corridors in our cities exemplifies the significance of informal green spaces.
Being Connected to Nature is Beneficial
Urban dwellers are increasingly distanced from nature, which can have significant repercussions. Research indicates that regular exposure to the natural environment is essential for both mental and physical health. Spending time outdoors alleviates stress and fosters mental rejuvenation, while access to nature is crucial for the developmental needs of children.
Conversely, those who lack regular interaction with nature tend to show less concern for broader environmental issues, a troubling trend given our current ecological crises. Despite the recognized benefits, urban areas are seeing a decline in accessible natural spaces due to rising population density and evolving housing patterns. Traditional backyard spaces are shrinking, especially in countries like Australia.
Consequently, there is an urgent need to optimize the green spaces we have available.
Recognizing the Value of Informal Green Spaces
Informal green spaces are often overlooked pockets of vegetation scattered throughout urban environments. Picture the wild greenery flourishing along railway tracks, wildflowers sprouting in empty lots, or the unkempt grassy areas beneath power lines. Although these spaces are generally not acknowledged as part of a city's formal green infrastructure, they offer a distinctive type of green experience.
People appreciate these areas for their untamed charm, contrasting with the more meticulously maintained parks. Our findings reveal that individuals utilize these informal spaces for a variety of purposes, from taking shortcuts to establishing community gardens. However, the extent to which these areas foster connections with nature has been underexplored until now.
Our recent analysis sheds light on the crucial role that informal green spaces play in urban nature engagement. By utilizing data from citizen science applications like iNaturalist, we compared the frequency of recorded sightings of wildlife in informal settings versus formal parks. The results indicated that informal areas, particularly those adjacent to railways and utility corridors, are just as frequented by individuals seeking nature.
Rethinking Urban Green Space Management
Our research underscores the necessity of expanding our approach to enhancing nature connections in urban settings. It's vital to start recognizing informal green spaces as integral components of urban green networks. This perspective shift will enable us to explore effective management strategies that support biodiversity while encouraging public engagement.
However, this will not be without challenges. It will require a balance between human needs and the preservation of quiet spaces for wildlife. As urban populations continue to swell, the demand for accessible green areas will only increase.
While formal parks will always hold importance in facilitating meaningful interactions with nature for the wellbeing of city residents, it's crucial to widen our lens to incorporate a diverse array of green spaces. By valuing and integrating informal green areas into existing networks, we can ensure that nature remains a fundamental part of urban life.
This connection to nature will foster healthier, happier, and more environmentally conscious communities.
By Hugh Stanford, Research Associate, Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University and Holly Kirk, Research Fellow, Interdisciplinary Conservation Science Research Group (ICON Science), RMIT University
Originally published on July 17, 2024, on The Conversation.com.