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What is a nature discovery park?
National park close to the city
To date, the Wildnispark Zurich Sihlwald was the first nature discovery park in Switzerland. It is situated in the heart of the Zurich metropolitan region and is easily accessible by some two million people.
Nature discovery parks provide undisturbed habitats for animals and plants and allow visitors to discover nature at its unspoilt best. Such parks always consist of two zones: nature is allowed to develop freely in the core zone, while less stringent conservation rules in the transition zone enable visitors to discover nature and relax. The designation gives the Zimmerberg-Sihltal region and the canton of Zurich an internationally recognised seal of quality and, as a result, the Wildnispark Zurich Foundation receives important confederal contributions towards the park’s operation.
The Nature Discovery Park’s zones
The cantonal conservation ordinance lays down the conditions for the coexistence of recreation and nature conservation and has been in effect since the end of October 2008. It was drawn up by the canton of Zurich with the involvement of multiple user groups. The ordinance divides the forest area into different zones.
Nature Discovery Zone
The Nature Discovery Zone is the largest zone, accounting for some 43 per cent of the area. It borders directly onto the residential suburb of Langnau am Albis and functions as a place of recreation and discovery. For instance, you can walk anywhere in the forest and wander off the beaten track as you wish. Barbecuing is permitted at some 20 designated spots, dogs are welcome as long as they are kept on a lead and there are specially designated paths for riding and cycling.
Core zone
The core zone is reserved for the natural forest, which comprises 40 per cent of the Sihlwald. The forest is allowed to develop naturally in this zone, with the aim of preserving the mixed beech forest, which is unique in Europe, for our children and grandchildren. This requires a few additional rules: all visitors must keep to the paths and refrain from picking plants or mushrooms or lighting fires.
