How do we experience parks? Social benefits of ecosystem services with an increased connectivity of sub-urban parks

Our motivation for this research is the interest we have for positive influences of green areas on people's well-being and social improvement. We see nature, the ecosystems and its services, integrated with humans as a whole, making our lives physically and mentally more sustainable. Therefore the purpose of this study is to investigate the social benefits of selected ecosystem services in sub-urban parks in Malmö City, and to explore how the respected services can be enhanced with a greater connectivity of the parks. A survey and interviews were used to collect information about people's preferences and values about nature parks and their opinion on possible connectivity of three sub-urban parks in Malmö, Sweden. The results show that people are overall positive with the recreational and aesthetic values of parks but show less appreciation for the parks as pure nature represents. Connectivity is not clearly understood by the participants but seems to be positively accepted. To give an idea on how Malmö could improve urban biodiversity and facilitate enjoyable nature experiences we give some practical suggestions for a green corridor