The Nature Strip - it's role in creating healthy streets - part 1

Rain Garden/nature strip (credit: Blacktown City Council)

The nature strip is a prevalent feature of established suburbs across regional areas. But - are they being used to their full potential, why are they so rarely designed into new suburbs, and what opportunities do we have to improve this?

Most nature strips were created in original street design with a multi-pronged purpose - to allow the running public utility services underneath, allow for the integration of street trees, create a contiguous strip of land which boosts biodiversity, and add character to the street.

They are a forgotten opportunity, and easier to improve and boost than we think. Many remain as a strip of lawn, which require regular mowing as part of weekend garden activities - or at the other extreme, they never see a mower and are left to form an untouchable meadow. Both have their pros and cons - related to a 'neat' streetscape, biodiversity opportunities, sustainable drainage and ongoing maintenance.

Is there a middle ground? An approach that is carefully planned, but results in a natural outcome that is self - sufficient, manageable and joyful at the same time?