Cues to care theory

The need for disorders when designing for biodiversity can go against our cultural perception of an aesthetic green space as what is good may not look good and vice versa (Nassauer, 1995). Today, parks and green areas are heavily maintained and if not, areas may look unsafe, disgusting and uncomfortable by the users (Farahani & Maller 2019). In the urban environment, green spaces with high human interference are expected, or else it could be perceived as messy, weedy or defaulted, as neglected or abandoned land. Even areas with high ecological functions, can be misunderstood and in a worst case be destroyed, simply because people do not know about its importance (Nassauer, 1995). Changing people’s perception, about what nature in cities and suburban areas should be, are therefore essential. Communication about the importance of messy landscapes, disorders and natural processes should be given in an early stage of life, as the perception of what nature looks like can still be changed. Another solution is to create a landscape that looks intentional (Nassauer, 1995). In Joan Nassauers theory cues to care (1995) it is described that signs of human intention is necessary if an area need to be accepted to the wider public (Nassauer, 1995). Therefore these rather unfamiliar, “messy” landscapes features should be enclosed by orderly frames (Nassauer, 1995). This could include designated and well maintained paths, no trash, colorful flowers and urban equipment with architectural details combined with biodiverse areas of deadwood and uncut grass (Nassauer, 1995).

Succession of vegetation.

Early to mid stages of succession is most biodiverse according to Mathey and Rink (2010) < 3 years 3-10 years 10-50 years > 50 years

Annual species Open and fragmentated Ruderal species Closing vegetation cover Persistent species Tall forbs, bushes and single groves Dense forest Typical species such as betula, salix, robinia

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