Exploring the influence of urban wetlands on sense of place with special reference to the adjacent community of Bellanwila - Attidiya marsh

Abstract

Urban wetlands represent vital yet frequently neglected ecosystems in urban planning. They underpin biodiversity and cultivate emotional, cultural, and social connections among neighbouring communities. However, rapid urbanisation surrounding the Bellanwila–Attidiya Marsh has altered how residents perceive and experience the wetland, raising questions about how these perceptual changes influence their sense of place. This study investigates how the visual landscape characteristics of the wetland shape the sense of place of the adjacent community, interpreted through residents’ ecological and wellbeing perceptions. A mixed-method approach was employed, integrating qualitative insights on ecological awareness and wellbeing experiences with quantitative correlations between visual landscape attributes and components of sense of place. The findings indicate that ecological and wellbeing perceptions form an interpretive context through which residents engage with visual attributes. Visual qualities particularly visual complexity, legibility, and imageability showed significant associations with sense of place. Despite ongoing ecological and cultural decline driven by urbanisation, the wetland continues to hold cultural and spiritual significance. These results highlight the need for conservation strategies that preserve meaningful visual qualities while reinforcing ecological integrity and community wellbeing, thereby strengthening long-term community–wetland relationships.