Nature in the Heart of German Cities

Halle (Saale), the largest city of Saxony-Anhalt, stands out for having an exceptional amount of green space per resident, as evidenced by high satisfaction among its residents with the number, design, and condition of urban parks and green oases compared to Berlin and Cologne. This phenomenon was less pronounced.

The enchantment of the countryside is a key feature of German cities, as it was with Paris and Rome, a long time ago. However, with the emergence of increasingly densely populated cities, nature has been relegated to back gardens or pocket parks, instead of being integrated into the fabric of the urban landscape, as was the case in early cities such as Berlin.

1. Nature in the Heart of the City

Green spaces play an integral role in European cities - accounting for an average of 42% of city area. But this varies both between and within cities: Bremen in Germany has more green space per capita than any other major German city. Quantity alone doesn't guarantee quality infrastructure:

Urban Green Spaces that are valued by city residents typically offer features that help their inhabitants rejuvenate and recover from the stresses of metropolitan living. These spaces may provide safe places for socialization among neighbors or provide outdoor exercise opportunities; others could act as buffers against air pollution or facilitate a change of perspective.

Our interviewees reported that spending time in larger green spaces such as Volkspark Friedrichshain in Berlin or their local Hinterhof offered them relief from city life's stresses and tensions; especially those without any usage restrictions such as playgrounds or gyms during lockdown periods - leading them to actively seek alternative green spaces to visit.

Green spaces play an essential role in cooling urban landscapes by absorbing and discharging water vapor. This cooling effect is especially beneficial during hot weather when temperatures spike since its evaporative action helps lower ambient temperatures through evaporative cooling.

Green and blue spaces in cities are increasingly being recognized as essential elements of sustainability strategies, with Global Goal 11.7 seeking to provide universal access to safe and inclusive urban green space while the EU biodiversity strategy encourages urban regreening plans. Unfortunately, however, much work remains before we close the gap between recommended guidelines and actual usage by citizens of urban green space.

2. The Sound of Nature

Bird song, crackling leaves or running water all create a pleasant ambiance and bring positive associations to mind. Research has proven that natural sounds have an immediate calming effect, helping people relax and improve their daily lives. Furthermore, their soothing nature makes concentration easier and improves memory in humans - another key reason why green spaces must remain part of urban areas.

Although city walls were abolished as cities expanded during the 19th century, green spaces still benefit from having fences and gates, providing a sense of security to visitors from wild nature that used to be seen as dangerous or harmful. Nowadays, however, parks and green oases offer more than just places for relaxation; many offer cultural, educational, and social activities as well as sports opportunities - providing residents of cities a valuable meeting spot.

In, Hamburg, Leipzig and Munich in our interview study, city residents were very satisfied with both the number and maintenance of urban green spaces. In comparison to Berlin and Cologne respondents weren't so content. City residents also overwhelmingly recognized their importance both personally as well as for environmental protection purposes.

Spending time in large UGS during the summer allowed our interviewees to escape their everyday lives and restore their sense of well-being. They appreciated having ample space and being able to walk around freely while taking in beautiful landscapes. Unfortunately, some park users adversely impacted their interactions with these UGS; for instance, blasting music too loudly led other parkgoers to complain and made it hard for all involved parties to fully enjoy their experiences there.

3. The Ambassadors of Nature

Urban green spaces (UGSs) play an essential role in city dwellers' lives as places where they can relax and recharge - whether through strolls through parks or leisurely afternoons spent gardening. Their value can be seen through how often residents of all socio-economic groups and demographics utilize UGSs; those from lower socio-economic status tend to experience greater benefits from urban green space than more affluent city residents in terms of stress reduction and improved mental health.

Interviewees noted that they actively sought out green spaces further away from home to take full advantage of them, perhaps because their local parks were overcrowded or they wanted a different experience with UGS. One interviewee expressed their particular affinity for an urban park with a sculpture by Claes Oldenburg where they felt at ease and could just be themselves without being observed by anyone else.

International guidelines and European policies recognize the significance of providing access to urban green space on an equitable basis for various socio-economic groups; examples include Barcelona's Urban Biodiversity Strategy 2020, Flanders (Belgium) Nature Value Explorer, and Sustainable Cities Initiative for Europe. However, guidance regarding equitable access remains lacking for specific socio-economic and demographic groups.

4. Adventures in Nature

Green spaces in Germany's cities are an invaluable resource. Their natural cooling effect provides relief during periods of high temperatures and helps mitigate urban heat island effects. Furthermore, green spaces absorb rainwater through absorption or evaporation and thus contribute to the drinking water supply; additionally, they offer space for climate-friendly modes of transport such as cycling.

Urban areas must offer their residents access to green spaces of various kinds to give them meaningful nature experiences. To do this, green spaces must be accessible and suitable for recreation - including parks, playing fields, and open areas such as rivers or floodplains.

Planners and policy-makers need objective, comparable measures and indicators of urban green space provision that are easily comparable across communities and dimensions. Accessibility indicators provide particular value; they enable early comparison between cities as far as their level of availability of urban green spaces is concerned.

Bremen stands out as being one of the major German cities with the highest per-capita recreational areas per resident, providing approximately 18 square meters per resident. After Bremen comes to Freiburg im Breisgau as a university town; then Stuttgart and Munich follow.

Dolauer Heide in Halle (Saale), Saxony-Anhalt is a particular standout, offering unparalleled recreation with its lush forests and meadows. Leipzig also scores highly for this category with about 40% of the city covered with green space.

Over 60 years, a forest of birch and oak trees has grown at Schoneberger Sudgelande railway switchyards in the south of Berlin due to legal obligations on developers to offset land usage with greenery - this has become increasingly popular with residents, providing them with an oasis of peace just steps from busy urban life.