Rewilding European urban spaces

Abstract

Abstract Background In the context of global climate change, deforestation, biodiversity loss, and the impact of urban living on public health, the rewilding of urban areas and surrounding spaces may offer a host of benefits for physical and mental health as well as improvements to environmental and planetary health. This review offers a contemporary appraisal of the role and impact of rewilding urban areas within Europe, considering the success of existing policies and offering suggestions for future projects. Findings Rewilding projects across Europe vary in scale and intensity. Given ongoing urbanisation across much of Europe, there is increasing need for green and natural spaces. Protection and enhancement of natural spaces, development of newly rewilded areas, and increased connectedness of natural spaces represent ways to increase prevalence and access to such spaces. Rewilding offers a number of potential benefits to human health, including restoration of biodiversity which may support food security, and sequestration of carbon dioxide which plays an important role in reducing climate change. Green spaces in cities counteract heat island effects and help to maintain temperatures. There are also documented benefits to mental health and faster recovery times from illness. Lessons There is scope to improve rewilding projects to enhance their success across Europe. Current limitations to rewilding projects include: The lack of a clear definition of rewilding and the broad scope of projects that fall under this concept. Challenges in monitoring and evaluation, and the need for a clear framework for effective evaluation of such projects. Increased and improved communication and advocacy. Key messages Rewilding offers a range of potential benefits to human and planetary health, and there is increasing interest in such projects. There are limitations to rewilding projects that must be overcome in order to improve policy and practice in this area.