The purpose of this essay is to study how the animal life can be taken into account in green structure plans. The purpose is also to study the possibilities of a human need for access to animals and nature in green structure plans. An additional purpose is to study how two municipalities deal with issues concerning a possible urban expansion and a conservation of nature areas. In this case through a comparative study between the city of Kalmar and the city of Växjö, in the shape of partly a text analysis, partly semi-structured interviews. The purpose from a didactic perspective is to study the possibilities with a potential application of the connection between a city’s expansion and animal life in future teaching.

The result of this study shows that both municipalities consider the animal life in their cities. The two municipalities place special emphasis on biodiversity, core areas and the animals’ spreading potential. It also shows that the two municipalities see a social importance with biological diversity, concerning the aim of promoting the well-being of the inhabitants. The results shows that when considering a possible urban expansion and a conservation of nature areas, the two municipalities take biodiversity into account. The process requires clear approaches and that biodiversity is taken into account at an early stage in the issue.The result of this study also shows that urban expansion together with animal life can be put in relation to the curriculum for high school and can with good conditions be used in teaching that concern urban expansion, sustainable development and the relations between human and nature.