Wild and the City

The text explores the growing presence of 'spontaneous ecosystems' and wildlife in cities, driven by trends such as reduced agriculture on the urban fringe, decreased use of herbicides, lack of maintenance in urban spaces, and habitat loss that pushes animals into cities. This shift reflects changing societal attitudes towards nature, emphasising biodiversity protection, climate risk mitigation and more sustainable, mutualistic relationships with natural systems. Urban design is increasingly incorporating wild elements to address challenges such as regenerating derelict spaces, creating sustainable infrastructure and satisfying city dwellers' 'desire for nature'. The phenomenon is controversial: some see urban wildness as essential for ecological salvation, others see it as an opportunistic marketing trend or question its practicality. Regardless, the blending of nature and urbanity continues to influence urban policies, aesthetics and ecological strategies, framing the concept of the 'wild city'.