The character of new wilderness in the peri-urban landscape is different from the original wilderness of nature of former times. As a product of functional changes, it is a secondary wilderness that shows remnants and traces of former cultivation. It consists of a variety of species and has a specific structure. As it is also a result of continuous internal changes, its appearance and structure are not stable, especially at the beginning.
Different types of wilderness
The new wilderness of peri-urban landscapes will display distinctive qualities in its different types of vegetation and structure that not only reflect its former use, but that relate to its contemporary function. The new wilderness will range from dense woodlands to pastoral landscapes with “wild” character.
The appearance of wildness through vegetation management
Although new wilderness vegetation in the peri-urban landscape will seem “wild”, in most cases it will not grow uncontrolled but will be a result of vegetation management. Today, vegetation management is focused on developing habitats for ecological goals. In the future it will be even more specific as it will be aimed at various purposes. Therefore it will produce different types of vegetation. Most concepts for vegetation management will also have to find a way to provide small profits to finance the measures. Several types of extensive use (e. g. extensive pastures) will be necessary for this goal, which will also lead to different types of new wilderness in the landscape.
