The role of managed natural spaces in connecting people with urban nature : a comparison of local user, researcher, and provider views

Increasing evidence of the health and wellbeing benefits of urban natural spaces has resulted in policy goals to increase their use. Making these spaces accessible and attractive to potential users is fundamental to achieving these goals since a mismatch between design and use can mean that the potential benefits of these spaces are not fully realised. Yet there has been limited investigation of whether the ambitions of providers align with local user preferences. Using a qualitative approach, we combined interviews of providers and researchers with focus groups of local users to reflect on the provision and use of urban natural spaces in the UK, and analysed the resulting transcripts using framework analysis. Three overarching themes were identified: (i) the role of managed environments in connecting people with nature; (ii) built features as facilitators of connection with nature; and (iii) challenges to connecting with nature arising from built features and the management of natural spaces. Although there were points of agreement between the stakeholder groups, we identified some key differences. Local users expressed a preference for both wilder and more formal urban natural spaces and opposed the removal of built features significant to the local history of the area. Whilst researchers recognised these views, providers were not aware of local user preferences for wilder spaces or the extent that local users considered the local heritage and its artefacts important. Understanding these differing perspectives on local natural spaces is important for maximising the value of these spaces to provide co-benefits for the environment and health.