Guerrilla gardening and green activism: Rethinking the informal urban growing movement
Hardman M., Chipungu L., Magidimisha H., Larkham P.J., Scott A.J., Armitage R.P.
Landscape and Urban Planning, 170:6-14
Urban Farm DB summary
Reviews informal urban-growing (guerrilla gardening) practices across Europe, North America and Africa, showing how in Salford, UK, local authorities have begun tolerating and even encouraging informal growing. It rethinks how a movement of residents greening and growing food on gap spaces and vacant land without permission can be integrated into urban planning and green-space policy.
Key points
- 1Informal urban growing (guerrilla gardening) is a widespread practice across Europe, North America, and Africa.
- 2Some local authorities, such as in Salford, UK, are shifting from mere tolerance to active encouragement of informal growing initiatives.
- 3The paper rethinks the significance of residents greening and growing food on vacant or underutilized land without formal permission.
- 4It explores pathways for integrating grassroots urban growing movements into formal urban planning and green-space policies.
Abstract and stored text
AI-generated summaryThis paper reviews the global phenomenon of informal urban growing, often known as guerrilla gardening, examining practices across Europe, North America, and Africa. It highlights a significant shift in approach, particularly in Salford, UK, where local authorities have begun to not only tolerate but also actively encourage these citizen-led initiatives. The study rethinks the role of residents who green and cultivate food on vacant or underutilized land without formal permission. Ultimately, it explores how this grassroots movement can be effectively integrated into broader urban planning strategies and green-space policies, fostering more sustainable and community-driven urban environments.
This is an AI synthesis from the stored record, not the original abstract. Check the original before quoting.
Why it matters for urban farming
This paper is highly relevant for urban farmers as it demonstrates that citizen-led informal growing initiatives, like guerrilla gardening, can evolve from being merely tolerated to actively supported by local authorities. It offers valuable insights into how community efforts to green vacant lots and produce food can be recognized and integrated into official urban planning, potentially leading to more secure and sustainable urban farm spaces. Understanding these dynamics can empower urban farm groups to advocate for policy changes and secure resources for their projects.