Written by: Birthe Uhlhorn, BOKU

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As part of the course Recreation Planning Field Excursion, Master’s students in Landscape Planning and Landscape Architecture took part in a two-day excursion across Vienna and Lower Austria. The aim was not only to discuss Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) in theory, but also to experience them first-hand and explore their opportunities, challenges, and trade-offs from different perspectives.

Nature-Based Solutions in Urban Areas

The first day of the excursion took students to Vienna’s Nordbahnviertel district. The programme began with a visit to the Urban Renewal Office (GB*), where participants gained insights into participatory planning processes, neighbourhood development, and the role of local stakeholders in creating liveable urban environments. The discussions highlighted the importance of participation and local knowledge for the successful implementation of sustainable urban development projects.

The group then visited the *Freie Mitte* (Free Middle), an innovative urban open space in the Nordbahnviertel. Together with representatives from MA42 – Vienna Parks and Gardens, students explored how biodiversity conservation, nature protection, and recreational use can be combined within a growing city. The Freie Mitte demonstrates how former brownfield sites can be transformed into valuable habitats for wildlife while simultaneously providing attractive recreational opportunities for local residents.

Another stop led the students to MA28 – Road Management and Construction. Here, discussions focused on the challenges of implementing NBS within densely built urban environments. Green infrastructure, climate adaptation measures, mobility requirements, technical infrastructure, and traffic safety all compete for limited space in the public realm. At the same time, participants learned about current efforts by the City of Vienna to integrate more greenery, improve urban liveability, and increase climate resilience in streets and public spaces.

Nature-Based Solutions in Rural Landscapes

The second day focused on NBS in rural landscapes. Together with experts from viadonau, the Austrian organisation responsible for managing the country’s waterways and riverine ecosystems, students gained insights into ecosystem management along the Danube and March rivers. Discussions centred on the conservation and sustainable management of floodplain and river ecosystems and their importance for biodiversity, flood protection, and recreational use.

Topics included the ecological management of flood protection dams, habitat enhancement measures, river and floodplain restoration projects, and strategies for dealing with invasive plant species. Students learned that maintaining ecological functions requires continuous management and careful balancing of conservation and land-use interests.

Particular attention was given to the role of pilot projects as important learning spaces for developing and testing Nature-Based Solutions. The exchange between science, public administration, and practitioners demonstrated how collaborative learning can help identify challenges early, generate practical knowledge, and support the long-term implementation of successful approaches.