Spontaneous vegetation in Madrid’s vacant lots and open ground

Distribution and scope

Unused lots and open ground are among the settings in which to observe urban nature in Madrid. Unlike a planted park, they can support vegetation that has established spontaneously. This profile focuses on that kind of space, not a particular plot or an inventory of the whole city.

Structure

The first distinction is between herbaceous plants, scrub and trees, where present. Looking at the surface only from a distance can obscure differences between low-growing plants and taller vegetation. Leaf shape and arrangement, colour and the presence of flowers are useful for recognising variety. Recording different forms helps describe the vegetation, but is not equivalent to identifying every species.

Ecological processes

Plants can arrive through natural seed dispersal rather than being placed as part of a garden. Spontaneous vegetation and designed planting are therefore two different ways in which plant cover becomes established. Insects and other arthropods may also occur in these spaces. Their presence should not be taken for granted in every lot or used to claim that any vacant site has greater biodiversity than a park.

Seasonal changes

The amount of vegetation can vary with the season and weather conditions at the time of a visit. A single observation captures a moment, not the site’s behaviour throughout the year. Returning on different dates allows changes to be recorded without assuming which season will be most diverse.

Responsible observation

As FaunaGuide’s practical adaptation of the municipal exercise, draw a sketch map and mark the observation location. A square measuring one metre on each side provides a framework for a small record of herbaceous plants: note different forms, count individuals and take a photograph. For taller vegetation, observe plants along a line and draw their profile. Keep the date and use photographs rather than collecting plants. Compare only what you have recorded and keep confirmed identifications separate from provisional ones.