Urban nature: survivalists

In the minds of many, nature is the opposite of city: an antithesis of outside the realm of human influence and completely man-made. Current research contradicts this however. As there are more species of plants, invertebrates and birds to be found within the urbanized areas than in the rural areas. Urban nature is often specific with a tendency to favour species that are adaptable, can regenerate or reproduce quickly or are tolerant of specific conditions. This means that as a result of all the brick, concrete and stone combined with the heat island effect in cities, we often see species that are associated with mountainous areas or warmer climes.

Paved areas provide a specific habitat in urban areas. On the left Yellow Toadflax (Linaria vulgaris) and Canadian Horseweed (Conyza canadensis) that are both species that thrive in dry conditions. The Toadflax reproduces easily from little rhizomes and is thus favoured by road works. Many of the common city plants are ruderal species that can quickly take over a suitable habitat. One such species is Perennial Wallrocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia) which is always buzzing with bees because of the sweet smelling flowers. Smooth Hawk's-beard (Crepis cappillaris) is one of the most common dandelion-type flowering plants. This annual can quickly colonize free space for instance between the cracks of a concreted drive way (on the right).