URBAN GARDENS
Urban gardens are located in public spaces and involve people living in the neighbourhood coming together to grow produce and/or maintain the garden.
Community groups interested in developing and maintaining a community garden.
Relevant local community projects and leaders could be invited to collaborate to develop and run an urban garden. Assistance could be given by a park charity or local authority with the planning, designing and implementation of the project.
Park charities and local authorities can engage with existing or new community projects through sharing resources i.e. staff, volunteers, money, ideas and time. By taking a step back and supporting the project and not running it, long-lasting relationships with the community can be formed to help improve parks and green spaces.
Overview of the Engagement Tool/Innovation:
Urban gardens are located in public spaces and involve people living in the neighbourhood coming
together to grow produce and/or maintain the garden. Park charities and
local authorities can collaborate with and support these communities in this
endeavour e.g. by sharing expertise, resources and volunteers.
Role in decision-making:
Citizens and volunteers can have significant scope for shaping urban green spaces.
Empowering – These are public led and orientated projects and as such provide citizens and volunteers scope for shaping urban green spaces.
Hard to reach groups – groups who tend to participate can be from low-income communities.
Suitable for:
This method would be suitable for small scale projects that can be easily managed by local communities and groups. It would also be good for community engagement and relationship building with collaborating organisations.
Resources needed:
Resources – resources would differ from project to project.
Staff and time – staff and volunteer time and support could be provided.
Formats:
Advantages:
- Low cost.
- Engaging.
- Can help build relationships and trust with communities.
- Encourages the development of more green spaces.
Challenges:
- Potential for lack of resources to commit to projects.
- Would need to consider the long-term maintenance of the site should the communities looking after the garden no longer wish to continue to do so.
Sources, good practice and case studies:
Nemoto, E. H. and A. R. Biazoti (2017). “Urban agriculture: How bottom-up initiatives are impacting space and policies in Sao Paulo.” Future of Food-Journal on Food Agriculture and Society 5(3): 21-34.