And yet most will not even get close of being an ecosystem. "Green" and "parks" are mostly consisting of 2-10 species of plants, not more, and none of the species having a fully life cycle (seed to humus), also taking the space dozens of other species would otherwise fill (insects, funghi etc).
Im regents park london, they let some cut trees rot on purpose, years later there are still no funghi visible growing on them, while in a forest that happens. Ive also not met a single mosquito there in years.
Most city parks are mere deserts to me.
It sure still is healing to be outiside, but calling that "nature" is a blunt lie in my ears.
Luckily, those urban green spaces have a similar positive effect on our systems as a full forest would.
Separately, I would like to point to a place like Prospect Park in NYC, where one can find themselves in the equivalent of a new growth forest complete with the majority of applicable local flora. There are also botanic gardens, where one can experience a number of different groups of blooms throughout the year. We're capable of having this be part of our urban experience.
If that is your focus, over here (Hamburg, Germany) there also are real (mostly untouched) forests, which also include life. They are not extremely huge but at least many centuries old.
One is like 8min from my door, could even take a bus since there are stops on the edges.
Im regents park london, they let some cut trees rot on purpose, years later there are still no funghi visible growing on them, while in a forest that happens. Ive also not met a single mosquito there in years.
Most city parks are mere deserts to me. It sure still is healing to be outiside, but calling that "nature" is a blunt lie in my ears.