Urban Farm DB
Research catalogue
Database research record2014·Global

Exploring guerrilla gardening: gauging public views on the grassroots activity

David Adams, Michael Hardman, Peter J. Larkham

Local Environment

Urban Farm DB summary

This paper explores those affected by guerrilla gardening, noting that it often colonizes land without permission and transforms areas without consulting local communities. Grounding its argument in evidence from three guerrilla groups, the study investigates the public's views on several informal gardening projects. Responses were very mixed, ranging from positive comments about improving aesthetics to negative remarks surrounding the practices of some groups. Ultimately, the paper demonstrates that although often promoted as constructive, guerrilla gardening can result in adverse impacts on those who surround colonized sites.