The case of the missing midstorey: urban park design for people and nature

Urban park design globally prioritises open spaces with some shade trees, with complex midstorey vegetation frequently missing. However, complex vegetation is crucial for healthy ecosystems, increased biodiversity, and human health and wellbeing. In this paper we assess the historical influences that led to this ubiquitous and enduring savanna-style park design, as well as often-cited contemporary barriers to including complex vegetation. We show that omitting complex midstory vegetation is outdated, and that parks with complex vegetation are preferred by people, are safer, and are cheaper to maintain, as compared to highly manicured open spaces. We discuss the benefits of complex vegetation to both biodiversity and human health and wellbeing. We provide examples of how to incorporate complex midstorey vegetation into existing urban spaces in a cost-effective and publicly-palatable manner. This research can be used by stakeholders—including government personnel, greenspace managers, or private citizens—to support greening decisions at any scale.