Berlin (Germany)

Germany has one of the strongest ecological traditions in Europe. There is a strong appreciation of the benefits of nature in towns and cities, particularly in making cities more liveable. This is particularly important given the preference for higher density housing. Berlin, the capital city, is an exemplar with its pioneering green infrastructure and community forestry projects.

The naturalistic or ecological approach is the norm for most contemporary greenspaces, though there are differences in approach. In Munich, for example, native plant listings must be used to secure planning permission. In Berlin minimal intervention is favoured. Native and exotic plant species are encouraged to colonise greenspaces and brownfield sites, and few plants are considered to be ‘weeds’.

Source: Based on Kendle,T (1997) Urban nature conservation: landscape management in the urban countryside, E&FN Spon