Urban nature

Espoo residents cherish nature and a green cityscape. We are increasingly aware of the importance that local nature and urban greenery have in terms of residents’ well-being, biodiversity and the adaptation to climate change. Nature and recreation aspects are present in all city planning. Lush greenery is a part of the Espoo cityscape and identity – now and in the future.

Meadows offer important habitats especially for insects.Photo: City of Espoo

Green area network  

Nuuksio, the Central Park and the coast are the unique gems of Espoo. Protecting broad and natural recreational areas is essential, but local nature and recreational areas are also highly valuable in the everyday life of residents. They are also necessary in the city-like district centres. As Espoo’s population grows, the need for recreational areas will also increase.

At the City Planning Department, we aim to create pleasant living environments where nature is close and there are sufficient recreational areas. We also plan recreational and green areas as an entity so that they form a varying network where people and organisms can move from one area to the next.

City planning aims at saving the existing trees also in areas with new construction. The photo shows an example of harmonization with conserved pine trees and new block of buildings in Tapiola.Photo: City of Espoo

Systematic work 

Values related to nature and recreation can be promoted at various level of urban planning. In master planning, we look at the long-term development of the City’s green-blue network as a whole. In city planning, we take care of local nature and recreation around the City. The detailed plan also secures sufficient yard areas that are as green as possible.

When detailed planning starts in an area, a nature survey is commissioned for it to provide up-to-date information about its natural values. We take natural values into account when planning the solution for the area and, if necessary, negotiate on the best solution with the environmental authorities. We determine the natural values to be protected and secure the necessary ecological connections using plan notations.

The whole Espoo