Sihlwald remains a national "nature discovery park"

The Zurich Wilderness Park Foundation is permitted to operate the Sihlwald natural forest for a further ten years under the national label "Nature Discovery Park - Park of National Importance". On May 28, the Federal Office for the Environment presented the foundation with the corresponding decree, valid from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2029. The extension of the label means, on the one hand, recognition of the work carried out over the past ten years and, on the other hand, is the result of the strong support and commitment of the sponsors to the Sihlwald Nature Discovery Park project. The sponsors - consisting of the City of Zurich, the municipalities of the Horgen district, the Canton of Zurich and Pro Natura Zurich - pledged their support to the foundation at the end of 2018 by signing the 2020-2029 park contract.

"Entry-level park" with a seal of quality

"The extension of the label confirms the successful work of the last ten years and enables the goals of the Zurich Sihlwald Wilderness Park to continue to be implemented," says Isabelle Roth, Deputy Managing Director of the foundation.

The Zurich Sihlwald Wilderness Park is the first and so far only nature discovery park in Switzerland. It is located in the middle of the Zurich conurbation and is easily accessible for around 2 million people. Thanks to this peri-urban location, Sihlwald Nature Discovery Park can fulfill its role as a "starter park".

A nature discovery park offers animals and plants undisturbed habitats close to the city and visitors the opportunity to experience unspoiled nature. It always consists of two zones: In the core zone, nature is allowed to develop freely. In the transition zone, less stringent protection requirements apply to allow visitors to experience nature and relax. With the label, the Zimmerberg-Sihltal region and the canton of Zurich receive an internationally recognized seal of quality and the Zurich Wilderness Park Foundation receives important federal funding for the operation of the park.

Further information

Monday 12 to 13 o'clock
Isabelle Roth
Deputy Managing Director and Head of Natural Forest,
Tel. 044 722 55 22 (head office)
isabelle.roth@wildnispark.ch