Urban pastures as sources of biodiversity and well-being

The increased use of grazing animals in the management of urban and peri-urban areas benefits both nature and people. Urban pastures offer many opportunities, including their use in environmental education and well-being services.

Grazing has become increasingly common in Finnish urban and peri-urban environments. An online search reveals that dozens of cities and municipalities have had one or more grazing sites during the 2020s. The objectives of urban grazing often include enhancing biodiversity, controlling invasive species, and managing landscapes. Grazing animals also bring joy to people, thereby increasing the attractiveness and recreational value of these areas.

People out for a walk pet a sheep on the Syntiniemi nature trail. — Sheep can be petted at the accessible nature recreation area of Syntiniemi. Photo: Jari Lindeman / Luke

Sheep can be petted at the accessible nature recreation area of Syntiniemi. Photo: Jari Lindeman / Luke

Nature benefits

The low-intensity management of green spaces that promotes biodiversity is a recommended and growing trend. Increasing numbers of public green areas are being developed to support greater biodiversity. At the same time, reducing maintenance intensity can lower costs. Rewilding is also gaining popularity in private gardens. It can additionally be viewed as a climate action, as machinery is used less frequently in green areas while increased vegetation stores more carbon.

Grazing is one way to manage green spaces while taking ecological values into account. At the same time, it supports the species of critically endangered traditional rural biotopes by maintaining the open or semi-open habitats they require. In addition to inventoried traditional rural biotopes, many public areas have the potential, through appropriate management, to develop into valuable meadow habitats.

Well-being for people

Research has demonstrated the positive effects of nature and animals on human health and well-being. Visitors to urban pastures can simultaneously enjoy both nature and the company of grazing animals. Green spaces maintained in different ways also provide people with beneficial exposure to diverse microbial communities that support health.

As nearby nature destinations, urban pastures are accessible to a wide range of user groups. They can serve as interesting sites for environmental education. The maintenance of grazing areas and the care of animals involve many different activities in which local residents and other community groups can participate. Meaningful collective action for the benefit of the environment can support well-being.

The health benefits of nature are increasingly being utilised in healthcare. This is reflected, for example, in the establishment of health forests near hospitals. Could urban pastures also be integrated into rehabilitative activities? Organisations in the social and healthcare sectors have shown interest in initiatives such as sheep-assisted group activities.

Inspiring examples

There are many aspects to consider when implementing grazing. A useful source of information is the knowledge bank of the Laidunpankki service. Its guides on sheep grazing and contract grazing provide practical information and ideas for establishing grazing areas. The PLATE project of Natural Resources Institute Finland publishes a model for planning biodiverse and accessible local nature areas at the end of 2026. The project's pilot site is Syntiniemi, a sheep-grazed area in the urban centre of Sotkamo, Kainuu.

In Jokioinen, Kanta-Häme, the Elonkierto Park was established as a demonstration park for agricultural and natural resources research, offering a wide range of activities for different target groups. Traditional rural biotopes managed through grazing are an important part of the park, and grazing animals are among its main attractions. In Lapland, near the city of Kemi, there is the accessible local nature destination Kiikeli, where Finnish native Lapland cattle graze in wooded pastures.

Numerous urban pastures across Finland provide well-being benefits for both nature and people. Let us embrace the diverse opportunities offered by urban grazing areas and bring greater visibility to their value!