From a social-ecological perspective, 'urban wilderness' can be conceptualized as an expression of societal relations to nature that is dynamic and based on material hybridity of nature and society. However, the dichotomy between these two poles is being extended beyond present conditions into prospective and emerging 'nature/s' through discourse. The question arises if and to what extent concepts of 'urban wilderness' can be understood as social-ecological and open spaces breaking up dichotomous structures and contributing to sustainable development in cities. We approach this research question based on a qualitative interview study investigating conceptions of nature and reasons for nature conservation concerning 'Natur-Park Schöneberger Südgelände' in Berlin. Results show that in some areas of the Südgelände the woodlands are developing in an undisturbed manner based on nature's own dynamics. Notably, the main focus of nature conservation is on staging and conserving 'wilderness' as hybrid. Thus, dichotomous structures between society and nature seem to be permeable but are rather confirmed as contrasting 'others'. Nevertheless, the Südgelände can be seen as an example for 'urban wilderness' as a starting point for (normative) negotiations about societal relations to nature and their transformation and can therefore remain visible and open as potential space for future sustainable development processes. © 2020 suburban eV. All rights reserved.