Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
161 results(4 / 7)
Learning about Moss: Forming Communities of Inquiry
2021Hester Buck · Question Journal · United Kingdom (London)
This paper explores how different understandings of "community" converged during the participatory design of a moss wall at the R-urban community garden in London. The project addressed poor air quality, bringing together residents, activists, academics, and volunteers who formed a community of inquiry through meetings and workshops. The paper reflects on the successes and failures of engagement strategies, including challenges like apathy and misunderstanding.
CommunityDIYBiodiversityMorebattle Recreation Ground, Scottish Borders: Archaeological Mitigation and Engagement
2021S Black · Archaeology Data Service · United Kingdom
An archaeological evaluation was conducted for the Kalewater Community Council at Morebattle Recreation Ground, Scottish Borders, from May 24-28, 2021. This work was related to land purchased to provide community facilities, including a community garden. Five trenches, totaling 166.5 sq.m, were excavated, targeting anomalies from a September 2019 geophysics survey, but very shallow linear ditches and a possible wall/drain were found that did not appear to relate to the geophysics anomalies.
CommunityBiodiversityFood educationLong term snow tracking data of red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and martens (Martes sp.) indicates an increase in number of mesocarnivores in urban area of Warsaw
2021Mateusz Jackowiak, Jakub Gryz, Karolina Jasińska, Dagny Krauze‐Gryz · · Poland (Warsaw)
Density changes of red foxes and martens were investigated in the urban area of Warsaw from 2015-2021 using winter snow tracking. Results were compared with data from 1976-1978 and 2005-2008, showing a gradual increase in the average density of both mesocarnivores across all habitat types since the 1970s. A decrease in density for both species was observed in the 2017/2018 winter season, with the reasons for this decline remaining unclear.
BiodiversityBodemkwaliteitsindicatoren voor stadslandbouw en stedelijk groen : wetenschappelijke basis en praktijktoepassing
2021Erik van den Elsen, P.F.A.M. Römkens, S.J.E. Verzandvoort, G.W. Korthals, Dorothee Leenders -van Tol, J. Bloem · · Netherlands (Amsterdam)
This report selects relevant soil quality indicators for assessing soil quality in the Amsterdam metropolitan region, specifically for 'urban agriculture' and 'urban green' applications. It notes that while agricultural soil quality indicators exist, specific ones for urban environments were lacking. A case study in Amsterdam's 'Fruittuinen van West' area develops an example for using these indicators in urban agriculture.
Organic cycleCommunityBiodiversityFascination and Joy: Emotions Predict Urban Gardeners’ Pro-Pollinator Behaviour
2021Ulrike Sturm, Tanja M. Straka, Alexandra Moormann, Monika Egerer · Insects · Germany (Berlin)
This study surveyed 111 community gardeners in Berlin and Munich, Germany, to understand the socio-psychological factors predicting pro-pollinator behavior. Using generalized linear models, the analysis revealed that gardeners who were fascinated by pollinators, held positive attitudes, and felt joy about seeing them reported intentions to protect or support pollinators. This suggests that fascination and joy can be harnessed for pollinator research and conservation efforts.
CommunityPollinatorsBiodiversityHeavy metals and metalloids concentrations across UK urban horticultural soils and the factors influencing their bioavailability to food crops
2021Marta Crispo, Miriam C. Dobson, Roscoe S. Blevins, William Meredith, Janice A. Lake, Jill L. Edmondson · Environmental Pollution · United Kingdom
Heavy metal (HM) and metalloid concentrations were assessed in 200 urban horticultural soils across ten UK cities. HM were found to be widespread, with most concentrations below UK soil screening values (C4SLs). However, 83% of lead (Pb) concentrations exceeded C4SLs, which is a significant concern. Bioavailable HM concentrations represented a small fraction (0.01–1.8%) of total concentrations, and black carbon (BC) and organic carbon (OC) were suggested to contribute to HM immobilization.
Contamination & food safetyHealthCommunityBiodiversityLes infrastructures vertes comme outils d’adaptation au changement climatique et de reconquête de la biodiversité
2021Emmanuelle Virey, Tolga Coskun · Cahiers ESPI2R · Europe
Green infrastructure refers to an interconnected network of natural or semi-natural areas whose proper functioning generates benefits for human societies and strengthens their resilience. It can simultaneously produce multiple benefits such as improved stormwater management, creation of cool islands and species habitats, job creation in urban agriculture, economic valuation of real estate, and new nature experiences. Green infrastructure allows for the reinvention of urban landscapes and a reconsideration of our intimate relationship with living things.
Climate changeBiodiversityEconomicsHealthForecasting Agroforestry Ecosystem Services Provision in Urban Regeneration Projects: Experiences and Perspectives from Milan
2021Ambrogio Zanzi, Federico Andreotti, Valentina Vaglia, Sumer Alali, Francesca Orlando, Stefano Bocchi · Sustainability · Italy (Milan)
This study aimed to assess the benefits of an agroecological requalification of a dismissed peri-urban area in the South Milan Agricultural Regional Park, Italy. Using I-Tree Eco software, the provision of ecosystem services from planting new hedgerows was simulated over 30 years, showing that the planted area becomes an essential supplier of regulating ecosystem services for neighborhoods, increasing carbon storage and air pollution removal. A notable increase in carbon sequestration was observed at the end of the simulation, demonstrating a replicable methodology and techniques for assessing ecosystem services in urban and peri-urban environments.
Peri-urban agricultureBiodiversityClimate changeOrganic cycleHow are allotment gardens managed? A comparative study of usage and development in contemporary urban space in Germany and Poland
2021Magdalena Szczepańska, Ewa Kacprzak, Barbara Maćkiewicz, Lidia Poniży · Moravian Geographical Reports · Germany; Poland
A comparative study analyzed the use and development of allotment gardens (AGs) in Westphalia and Lippe (Germany) and Wielkopolska (Poland). AGs in Westphalia and Lippe are accessible and harmoniously integrated into the landscape, while AGs in Wielkopolska are less accessible, prioritize internal users, and do not always blend with their surroundings. The considerable freedom enjoyed by Polish plot-holders leads to a gradual marginalization of edible-plant growing.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyBiodiversityUrban–rural linkagePlanning Peri-Urban Open Spaces: Methods and Tools for Interpretation and Classification
2021Enrico Gottero, Claudia Cassatella, Federica Larcher · Land · Italy (Turin)
This research developed a holistic method and map-based indices for interpreting and classifying peri-urban landscapes, focusing on open spaces to understand their complexity and identify homogeneous units. The method was applied to the peri-urban area of Turin, Italy, generating maps of spatial and functional classification at the landscape unit level, as well as a map of critical areas for improvement. Despite some minor limitations, the proposed method and tools appear to have a range of applications in the context of global challenges and from a landscape perspective.
Peri-urban agriculturePolicyClimate changeBiodiversityUrban–rural linkageEcological Connectivity in Agricultural Green Infrastructure: Suggested Criteria for Fine Scale Assessment and Planning
2021Simone Valeri, Laura Zavattero, Giulia Capotorti · Land · Italy
This study addresses knowledge gaps in selecting plant species and understanding landscape heterogeneity's role in dispersal success for Green Infrastructure (GI) planning. It suggests a methodological approach for fine-scale assessment in peri-urban agricultural landscapes, using a case study in the Metropolitan City of Rome. The approach involved stratifying the area, defining GI components, characterizing the area with Morphological Spatial Pattern Analysis, assessing connectivity, and prioritizing conservation measures. Despite recognized limits, the approach proved functional for the context and detail level.
BiodiversityPeri-urban agricultureClimate changeAgriculture urbaine et biodiversité intégrées au bâti : des réalisations concrètes, vivantes et fonctionnelles
2021Frédéric Madre · Cahiers ESPI2R · France (Paris)
In June 2012, an experimental urban vegetable garden was established on the rooftops of AgroParisTech in Paris, France, marking the integration of urban agriculture into cities. This initiative coincided with the "Gardens in the City" exhibition, organized by the Museum of the Living and the League of Education. Since then, other urban agriculture projects have emerged, particularly in the capital.
CommunityBiodiversityA "plan bee" for cities: Pollinator diversity and plant-pollinator interactions in urban green spaces
2020Daniels B., Jedamski J., Ottermanns R., Ross-Nickoll M. · PLOS ONE, 15(7):e0235492 · Europe
A study of pollinator diversity and plant-pollinator interactions in urban green spaces in Germany. Urban community gardens hosted significantly higher pollinator abundance than other park types, comparable to rural reference sites, showing that near-natural design and management, floral diversity, and even small green patches can make cities pollinator habitat.
BiodiversityCommunityPolicyAdvocates for the Landscape: Alwin Seifert and Nazi Environmentalism
2020Staudenmaier P. · German Studies Review, Vol. 43, No. 2, pp. 271–290 · Germany
Reexamines the ostensibly green facets of Nazism through the 'landscape advocates' led by Alwin Seifert from 1934 to 1945, assessing environmental concerns in regime public works and their ideological limits.
PolicyBiodiversityUrban areas as hotspots for bees and pollination but not a panacea for all insects
2020Theodorou P., Radzevičiūtė R., Lentendu G., Kahnt B., Husemann M., Bleidorn C., Settele J., Schweiger O., Grosse I., Wubet T., Murray T.E., Paxton R.J. · Nature Communications, 11:576 · Germany
A replicated experiment contrasting Central European cities with neighbouring rural sites, finding cities have lower overall insect richness (e.g. flies, butterflies) but higher bee species richness, flower-visitation rates and pollination than the countryside. It shows urban floral resources support bees while cautioning that not all insects benefit, informing the design of pollinator conservation in urban green spaces and gardens.
PollinatorsBiodiversityPolicyThe role of edible cities supporting sustainability transformation – A conceptual multi-dimensional framework tested on a case study in Germany
2020Artmann M., Sartison K., Vávra J. · Journal of Cleaner Production · Germany
Proposes a conceptual multi-dimensional framework positioning the edible city as a nature-based solution for sustainability transformation, tested on a German case study.
CommunityPolicyBiodiversityEdible cities – An innovative nature-based solution for urban sustainability transformation? An explorative study of urban food production in German cities
2020Sartison K., Artmann M. · Urban Forestry & Urban Greening · Germany
An explorative study of urban food production in German cities, examining edible cities as a nature-based solution and the drivers and constraints of implementation.
CommunityPolicyBiodiversityThe contribution of small-scale food production in urban areas to the sustainable development goals: a review and case study
2020Elizabeth Nicholls, Adrian Ely, Linda Birkin, Parthiba Basu, Dave Goulson · Sustainability Science · United Kingdom (Brighton and Hove)
A review and case study in Brighton and Hove, UK, examined the contribution of small-scale urban and peri-urban agriculture to sustainable food production. Findings showed these small, labor-intensive systems with high crop diversity can be highly productive, offering environmental and social advantages over industrial agriculture through minimal synthetic inputs and local consumption. However, significant knowledge gaps persist regarding productivity, economic impacts, pesticide use, and biodiversity implications.
BiodiversityPollinatorsClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceAre early-years-children able to use magnifying glasses and dichotomous keys to observe, compare, classify and identify small animals?
2020Esther Cascarosa Salillas, Beatriz Mazas Gil, Ester Mateo González · Journal of Biological Education · Spain
Research with first-year preschoolers in Spain analyzed their ability to observe, compare, classify, and identify small animals using magnifying glasses and dichotomous keys. Students learned to observe intentionally with magnifying glasses and compare small animals based on the number of wings, legs, and color. However, students struggled to use dichotomous keys, indicating that teacher assistance was necessary to develop scientific skills such as observation, comparison, classification, and identification.
Food educationCommunityBiodiversityUrbanization does not affect green space bird species richness in a mid-sized city
2020Dávid Korányi, Róbert Gallé, Bettina Donkó, Dan Chamberlain, Péter Batáry · Urban Ecosystems · Germany (Göttingen)
This study in Göttingen, Germany, investigated the effects of green space (GS) types and surrounding urbanization on bird communities. Bird observations were conducted using the point-count method in allotments and parks, with urbanization levels measured by the percentage of impervious surfaces. Increasing levels of urbanization around green spaces had no effect on bird species richness, functional traits, or community composition.
Limited or null effectBiodiversityCommunityWhere the wild things are
2020Ayfer Tan, Neşe Adanacıoğlu, Saadet Tuğrul Ay, Malek Batal, Hala Ghattas, Salma N. Talhouk · · Turkey
In Turkey, wild edible plants have been an integral part of human diets since prehistoric times and are common in local cuisine. These plants are known to be high in nutrients and can improve the quality and diversity of diets. The collection of wild edible species offers a cheap solution to boosting school meals with a variety of nutrients.
Food educationHealthBiodiversity“My little piece of the planet”: the multiplicity of well-being benefits from allotment gardening
2020Miriam C. Dobson, Christian Reynolds, Philip H. Warren, Jill L. Edmondson · British Food Journal · United Kingdom
This study investigated the well-being benefits of urban horticulture in allotments in the United Kingdom. 163 volunteers in England and Wales kept a year-long allotment diary, and unprompted comments from 96 of these gardeners were analyzed. Participants recorded high levels of social and community activities, including sharing surplus food, knowledge exchange, interaction with wildlife, emotional connection to their allotment, appreciation of time spent outdoors, and aesthetic delight in the natural world.
HealthCommunityBiodiversityHet natuurlijk kapitaal van de Lutkemeerpolder
2020Jeroen Schütt, Bas Amelung · · Europe
This research, conducted by the Science Shop of Wageningen University and Research, estimated the monetary value of ecosystem services in the Lutkemeerpolder, Amsterdam, which is slated for conversion into a business park. The study identified food production, air purification, recreation, and the effect of greenery on housing prices as key services, valuing them at 1.5 to 8.6 million euros per year. These ecosystem service values were not considered in the original decision-making twenty years ago, leading to a recommendation to reconsider the development plan.
Governance failurePolicyCommunityEconomicsBiodiversityEcosystem Services of Urban Agriculture: Perceptions of Project Leaders, Stakeholders and the General Public
2020Esther Sanyé‐Mengual, Kathrin Specht, Jan Vávra, Martina Artmann, Francesco Orsini, Giorgio Gianquinto · Sustainability · Italy (Bologna)
This study compared perceptions of urban agriculture (UA) ecosystem services (ESs) among different societal groups in Bologna, Italy, namely UA project leaders, stakeholders, and the general public, with 406 individuals evaluating 25 ESs via a standardized Likert-scale survey. Statistical analysis indicated that the general public and UA stakeholders agreed on the high relevance of socio-cultural ESs, while provisioning ESs were considered less significant. This study reveals a lower perception of provisioning ESs from urban agriculture.
Limited or null effectCommunityBiodiversityPeri-urban agriculturePolicyAllotment gardening in Poland – new practices and changes in recreational space
2020Justyna Mokras-Grabowska · Miscellanea Geographica · Poland
Allotment gardening (AGs) in Europe, including Poland, is a tradition stemming from rapid urban industrialization, now emphasizing community, social, ecological, creative, and entertainment functions beyond economic and recreational roles. The Polish Allotment Association undertakes numerous initiatives, such as the "Open Social Programme of Allotment Gardens Development," to protect AGs from liquidation and promote their use for public and non-public purposes. This program redefines the perception of AGs in Poland and contributes to their infrastructural development.
CommunityPolicyEconomicsBiodiversity