From One to Many Natures: Integrating Divergent Urban Nature Visions to Support Nature-Based Solutions in Australia and Europe

Abstract

Urban nature and ways of protecting, designing and even mimicking natural processes are some of the most popular themes inspiring humanities and natural science studies in different disciplines around the globe. Urban nature, green infrastructure and nature-based solutions are three intertwined concepts. This paper will highlight some of the many visions for urban nature (e.g., four urban natures: native, cultivated, designed/horticultural and spontaneous natures) and interpretations of nature-based solutions. While there are some similarities in the interpretation of urban natures by different disciplines, some significant differences exist. This paper analyses and synthesises knowledge from divergent theoretical concepts of urban natures in Europe and Australia, and the associated ecological concepts of novel and designed ecosystems. The complexity of urban natures and native landscapes has fostered the development of several typologies that often lead to misunderstanding between discipline areas and difficulties with practical implementation, such as in urban planning or landscape design. We argue that differences in interpreting the scope of urban nature are often underlined by the specific socio-political, historical, cultural and ecological contexts of a country or region (e.g., Australia and Europe). By applying an interdisciplinary approach, we explore the concept of urban natures by analysing and synthesising links between different disciplines. A transdisciplinary perspective is an important premise for collaboration between ecological sciences and landscape architecture in many restoration projects, or when social and ecological sciences jointly address societal challenges with the help of nature-based solutions co-created using participatory approaches. The latter highlights the role of transdisciplinary research to link practitioners, policymakers and scientists, helping to engage with citizens and inform design. The analysis of several examples from Europe and Australia allowed us to depict different approaches to existing urban natures and methods of their design, enhancement and conservation. These examples highlight that different urban natures are sources of inspiration for nature-based solutions that can be successfully implemented in contemporary landscape and planning practice.

The Lawn as a Social and Cultural Phenomenon in Perth, Western Australia

“…The introduced lawn species needed new soils, the application of fertilisers, and the use of herbicides to successfully grow. Unlike Europe, where both grass species and weeds are native and thus considered to be a part of urban nature, lawns in Australia were used to delineate "civilised" urban areas from native vegetation ("native nature") and to create spaces with short cut grass, specifically designed for recreation and sports [12] (Figure 2). By the middle of the 20th century, lawns in Australian cities dominated public open spaces (POS) including parks and recreational reserves, foreshores, public gardens, nature reserves, civic areas and promenades.…”

“…Regarding growing By the middle of the 20th century, lawns in Australian cities dominated public open spaces (POS) including parks and recreational reserves, foreshores, public gardens, nature reserves, civic areas and promenades. Thus, lawns in Australia are the subject of built infrastructure and designed landscapes [12]. There is a growing number of studies on the role of public open spaces and their benefits for human well-being.…”

“…The use of terms such "non-native vegetation" and "open" spaces in the definitions also demonstrates the familiarity of some respondents with the environmental peculiarity of Australian urban spaces where all lawn grasses have been introduced from other parts of the world. The "public open spaces" (POS) is widely used in Australian governmental documents such as city masterplans and strategies [12], and knowledge of this term was indicated by many participants.…”

How can physiology best contribute to wildlife conservation in a warming world?

“…More complex habitats also support a broader range of species and thereby improve biodiversity ( Wild et al, 2011 ; Sato et al, 2014 ; Hekkala et al, 2023 ). Complexity and heterogeneity of habitats are therefore essential criteria to establishing novel ecosystems, for example, ecosystems created in urban environments, which can be an effective tool for maintaining biodiversity ( Ignatieva et al, 2023 ). Knowledge of physiological sensitivities (e.g.…”

Understanding Urban Green Spaces Typology’s Contribution to Comprehensive Green Infrastructure Planning: A Study of Canberra, the National Capital of Australia

“…However, this type of green space is usually neglected in GI planning due to its small scale or its temporal and transitory character [35]. In the case of Australia, informal green space is covered with invasive exotic plant species, which adds more challenges to their recognition as a type of green space [36].…”