An ecological approach to landscape design in urban parks : this dissertation has been completed in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Diploma in Landscape Architecture, Lincoln College, Canterbury, New Zealand

There has been a long history of the use of natural elements in design. However, there are many interpretations of the terms "natural" and "ecological". An ecological approach involves using ecological principles, especially of succession and plant dynamics to produce a design that evolves with time. When applied to urban spaces, long term maintenance costs are reduced; greater user participation and freedom is possible and conservation values are enhanced. There are many examples of how an ecological approach has developed in Europe over the past 50 years. While there has been work in New Zealand on revegetation in rural areas and management of bush remnants, native plants are established using an horticultural approach in urban areas. There are many opportunities and advantages for using an ecological approach in urban New Zealand. Such an approach cannot be developed on theoretical grounds alone, but observation and experimentation are also needed. Each site is expected to have different establishment and management requirements. The approach is predicted to be successful in New Zealand as it is in Europe, but people's expectation of tidiness will need to be accommodated.