Reconnecting people and wild nature in cities: Experienced barriers to using urban wild spaces among non‐users

Wild spaces in cities have the potential to reconnect people with nature, offering urban residents opportunities to engage with natural environments in close proximity. However, little is known about who uses urban wild spaces and what barriers prevent people from visiting them. This study explores the prevalence of non‐users and their experienced barriers across three types of urban wild spaces: urban forests, urban wastelands and urban wildflower meadows. Based on a questionnaire survey of 800 residents of Vienna (Austria) and a multi‐level barrier framework, this study investigates the relative importance of experienced barriers related to the availability, accessibility and attractiveness of these greenspaces. The findings indicate that non‐users of urban wild spaces account for 12% to 36% of the urban population. Urban wastelands and urban wildflower meadows are used less frequently than urban forests. The socio‐demographic profiles of non‐users significantly differ from those of users with regard to gender, age, education and parental status. The perceived lack of urban wild spaces at the neighbourhood level represents the most significant barrier, with low levels of ecological knowledge also identified as a key issue. These barriers are relevant across all three types of urban wild spaces. Additional barriers related to accessibility and attractiveness are experienced for urban wastelands and urban forests. Women are less able to access the two wild spaces, while older people, residents with limited financial means, and those who perceive these spaces as unattractive are less likely to visit urban wastelands. Synthesis and applications . The analysis suggests that establishing urban wild spaces near residential areas, combined with educational programmes that promote ecological knowledge, can facilitate contact with (wild) nature. Additionally, recognising the specific needs of women, the elderly and low‐income groups in the planning, design and management of wild spaces will be essential to ensure equitable access to urban wild nature and its associated benefits. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.