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Informal green spaces are urban areas where vegetation grows spontaneously and is not formally managed for recreation or conservation. These places, such as vacant lots, small meadows, or overgrown urban land, often exist in transition between active use and abandonment. Despite their overlooked character, they can host a surprising diversity of plants and animals and play an important role in urban ecosystems.
As part of the research project “Unlocking Urban Potential: Fostering Multispecies Justice in Informal Green Spaces”, we study how both people and wildlife use these spaces in Kraków.
You can contribute to this research by visiting one of the three selected locations shown in green on the map and documenting any plants, animals, or fungi you observe. Simply take photos and upload them during the City Nature Challenge (24-27.04) and upload them to iNaturalist. Every observation contributes to scientific research and helps us better understand how urban ecosystems function.
You don’t need to be an expert, curiosity is enough!
Participants who record the largest number of observations and the highest number of species in these areas will receive book vouchers worth 150 PLN.
The project is funded by the National Science Centre (NCN), Opus 25, project no. 2023/49/B/HS4/0071.
For more information, please contact: Joanna Tusznio – joanna.tusznio@uj.edu.pl
Green polygons on the map indicate the informal green spaces included in the study.
Ludwinów Ponds
Ludwinów Ponds
Ludwinów Ponds - an area around a pond located between the Ludwinów allotment gardens and the Wilga River. This area has recently been acquired by the city, and there is currently a discussion about its future - should it be managed mainly for urban wildlife, or should it be redesigned to maximise its recreational value for the city's citizens?
We are interested in observing species around the pond, in the area between the pond and the Wilga River, and on the banks of the Wilga (both sides) between the pond and Konopnickiej Street. Suggested starting point here.
A small grove and meadow next to the UJ campus
A small grove and meadow next to the UJ campus
Zagajnik i łąka okolicy Kampusu UJ / a small grove and meadow next to the UJ campus - a small piece of land between highly developed areas, a transitional space between a Natura 2000 area (to the north-west) and the highly urbanised Ruczaj district.
We are interested in observing species in the area between the Faculty of Biology of the Jagiellonian University, the JPII Church and the SOLARIS National Synchrotron Radiation Centre - along Bobrzyńskiego Street. It is easily accessible from the Kampus UJ tram stop.
An untidy grove next to the last tram stop of Borek Fałęcki
An untidy grove next to the last tram stop of Borek Fałęcki
Zagajnik między targowiskiem przy pętli tramwajowej Borek Fałęcki / an untidy grove next to the last tram stop of Borek Fałęcki - an untidy grove next to well-managed city parks. How differently are such managed and unmanaged places used by animals?
Here we are interested in 1) the 'messy' grove and spontaneous vegetation in the area between the Borek Fałęcki tram loop, the Krakowianka campsite no. 171 and the Metropolo Golden Tulip Hotel, and 2) the well-managed Solvay Park to the north, next to the Solvay shopping centre. Please note that the 'messy' part of the area has restricted access, and we do not encourage trespassing. It is easily accessible from the Borek Fałęcki tram stop.
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