Small spaces, big potential: the ecological and planning value of shared residential yards

Abstract

Private open spaces in urban environments hold significant potential for enhancing biodiversity and fostering human-nature interactions. Despite their importance, studies have largely focused on public spaces, neglecting private yards in communal residential areas. This study investigates the biodiversity potential of shared residential yards, specifically examining wild plant species, to provide planning guidelines for effective management and spatial design. Using a novel method, the research characterized city lots and buildings into six typologies, encompassing all residential areas in Givatayim, Israel. In spring 2022, plant surveys were conducted in 56 randomly selected lots, alongside measurements of open area size, proximity to green public spaces, and maintenance levels. Our findings indicate that larger open spaces and lower maintenance positively influence wild species richness and diversity. Moreover, they highlight the potential of minimally maintained shared residential yards to substantially enhance urban biodiversity. Yet, this potential conflicts with contemporary urban development trends that favor highly maintained spaces, underscoring the need for urban planning and management policies to reconcile ecological objectives with prevailing design preferences. This study underscores the ecological value of shared residential yards and their importance in urban biodiversity planning and management policies.