Contents 1. Introduction 1-3 1.1 Introduction 2. What is an Urban Productive Landscape? (UPL) 2.1 What is a UPL? 2.2 Urban Productive Landscape types 2.3 Benefits of an Urban Productive Landscape 2.4 UPL summary 3. What makes a successful Urban Productive Landscape? 3.1 Defining the success of a UPL 3.2 Urban Productive Landscape challenges 3.3 UPL success summary
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4. Creating successful Urban Productive Landscapes in the United Kingdom 4.1 Occurring themes amongst UPLs 4.2 Valuable lessons learnt 4.3 Instructions for a successful UPL
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5. Conclusion 5.1 Conclusion
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6. References 6.1 Books 6.2 Web Links 6.3 Figures/Images
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Fig 1. Prospect Heights community garden
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Introduction
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1.1 Introduction This study is an investigation into the success of Urban Productive Landscapes (UPL) in the United Kingdom. The investigation will be demonstrated by producing detailed research into the typology and characteristics of worldwide UPLs. Using research from case study information and site visits, this study aims to compare the contrast of international UPLs to produce an outcome focusing on which factors make an urban productive landscape thrive and what threats an urban productive landscape can face. The research will determine the success and challenges of UK and international UPLs. This investigation also aims to highlight the lessons learnt from international and UK urban productive landscapes. A comparison of the lessons learnt from current urban productive landscapes will lead the investigation to a conclusion as to whether UK urban productive landscapes are already successful and what can be done to improve success.
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Fig 2. Federation Square, Melbourne ‘Pop-up Patch’ 3
Fig 3. Community Garden Yeild 4
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What is an Urban Productive Landscape? ‘UPL’
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2.1 What is a UPL?
community garden. A community garden is usually an area used by local communities and neighbourhoods for the production of fruits and vegetables in a none-commercial way, (Viljeon, 2005) although some community gardens may sell some of their harvested crops for a small fee to generate money for their organisation. An example of this is the Flatbush CommUNITY Garden in Brooklyn, New York. Like the CommUNITY Garden, many other community gardens can be found in compact city areas, neighbourhoods or in small towns worldwide. In 2009, there were at least 490 community gardens in NYC (Grow NYC, 2010) it is estimated that there are now over 600 community gardens in New York City.
An Urban Productive Landscape is an open space in a town or city often used for agricultural purpose, usually planted and managed to be environmentally and economically productive (Viljoen, 2005). A typical UPL project is ran by a group of volunteers but sometimes has the assistance of an employed member of staff. Amongst urban productive landscapes, participants will demonstrate agricultural activity on a small scale; yielding fruits, vegetables and herbs each year and sometimes rear small animals for dairy and meat produce. Some UPLs may also demonstrate aquaculture on a small scale; the production of fish.
Fig. 4 Flatbush CommUNITY gardeners
Various types of urban productive landscape can be demonstrated across the world, be diverse in shape and size and have different or similar motivations. The concept of a UPL is to integrate food growing into cities and towns across the world with the intention of making the areas in which they are located more livable, sustainable and resilient. (Michaels, 2005). Introducing a UPL to an urban environment not only invigorates the area in which it is located but can also provide many other benefits and opportunities. 2.2 Urban Productive Landscape Types This section explores the range of urban productive landscapes across the world, identifying the similarities and differences within them. UPLs can be different in layout, shape and size depending on their setting, they can also have varied motivations depending on their location (Bohn, 2005). For example, an encouragement for an urban productive landscape could be the regeneration of a derelict or underused site in a poor suburb or city area in the United States. The urgency for intensive agriculture due to an economic crisis in Cuba or a social food growing space in a UK city or town an urban productive landscape can vary from community gardens and allotments to city farms and commercial organizations. Although the motivation for an urban productive landscape can differ worldwide, it is important to highlight that the motive can also be the same in several countries and locations at the same time. The most common type of urban productive landscape is a 6
Another common type of urban productive landscape is a city/ urban farm. An urban farm is similar to a community garden but usually larger and contains less space for fruit and vegetable production and more space for the rearing of animals (Iles, 2005). An urban farm will typically accommodate horses, sheep, goats, pigs and chickens. The significance of the animals is more for an educational value than production. The farms work with local communities to provide unique opportunities for people young and old to learn about farming, food production and nutrition (Hackney City Farm, 2015). An urban farm will often have a small business enterprise to provide capital for their organisation, such as providing educational courses and weekly classes or having a small cafeteria or shop on site. A prime example of this is the Hackney City Farm in London.
gardens appearing across Cuba managed by families or small groups. The creation of the Organiponicos ended the hunger crisis and helped Cuba to boost economy by creating masses of organic food. Cuba produced 3.2m tonnes of organic food in urban farms in 2002 (UNFAO, 2008). Urban Productive Landscape Typology: • Community Garden • City/Urban Farm • Commercial Gardens • Allotments • Home Gardens
From research, it is identified that a community garden and an urban farm are very similar to one and other no matter where they are located in the world. They are both usually none profit organisations which sometimes have small business ventures to sustain their organisations. Their main goal however is to promote urban agriculture within their community environment by bringing experienced and novice members of the community together to participate and learn. They also focus on helping people to achieve goals whether it be education, work experience or help with social skills or disability disadvantages (Surrey Docs Farm). Other types of urban productive landscape are high yield commercial gardens or farms often found in Cuba. The name for this organisation is an Organiponicos, which means a system of organic gardens (Viljeon, 2005). Due to the USSR collapsing in 1991 Cuba was forced into an economic crisis (Ewing, 2008). “The country lost 80% of its trade due to 1.3m tonnes of fertilisers a year being lost.” said Cuba’s Organic Support Group (COSG).Fuel for transporting food from fields to towns also dried up and people became hungry. In 1994, 16,541 people migrated to Havana from all over Cuba, more than any year since 1963. By 1996, the figure had reached 28,193, at prerevolution level. Shortages of food, medicine and gasoline were driving people to the capital (Isis 2008). The Organiponicos became a great way to answer to this economic crisis; the revolution was tackled with high-yield urban commercial market
Fig. 5 Organoponico Vivero Alamar, Cuba 7
Fig 6. Flatbush CommUNITY spirit 8
Flatbush CommUNITY Garden, Brooklyn A member-run garden in the heart of Brooklyn. The Flatbush CommUNITY garden was founded in 2008 with a mission of creating space for a diverse group of the community in the Brooklyn borough. It is a 35000 square feet garden containing 42 plots. Operating on a four-day work basis their objective is to establish a community-led organic garden producing fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers for all. Whilst doing this they aim to create a multi-cultural interactive empowering space, which fosters unity and pride within their community whilst supporting healthy eating and sustainable agriculture. Another goal of the commUNITY project is to promote sustainable farming and gardening throughout the Brooklyn neighbourhood, especially on public accessible land areas, which are unused. The member-run community project also aims to set a visual example of sustainability whilst they carry out practices such as composting, rainwater harvesting, waterefficient landscaping and permaculture. Flatbush CommUNITY garden holds fundraising events for their organisation as well as sell their own merchandise such as t-shirts and tote bags which are made, sewn and printed locally in Brooklyn. Their aim from this is to show community pride whilst making a small amount of money to sustain their organisation. “100% of the profits go to benefit our garden!� (Flatbush CommUNITY Garden, 2015). 9
Organoponico Plaza, Havana Havana’s largest organoponico. The Organoponico Plaza in Havana is three-hectares in size consisting of rows of raised beds growing organic seasonal crops such as lettuce, spring onions, chives and garlic. The perimeter of the high-yield garden is surrounded with Guava and Noni fruit trees to provide shade. When the Soviet Union Fell in 1991 Cuba was isolated. There were little imports to the country more importantly fertilisers and pesticides. This caused an economic crisis and lead people to go hungry. The answer to this was the invention of the Organiponicos a network of urban agricultural high-yield market gardens across the country lead by families or small community groups. New biological products and organic gardening techniques were developed and produced by Cuba’s agricultural research sector, which had already begun exploring organic alternatives to chemical controls, enabling Cuba’s urban farms to become completely organic. Eventually a new law prohibited the use of any pesticides for agricultural purposes anywhere within city limits. The Organoponico Plaza in Havana, the largest urban agricultural farm acted as a pioneering Organiponicos in due to its size and location in the capital. 10
Fig. 7 Organiponico Plaza, Havana 11
2.3 Benefits of an Urban Productive Landscape
urban productive landscapes, are another beneficial method of absorbing pollution. The introduction of a productive landscape with or without a wetland in an urban area provides great opportunity for ecological intensification. Today, 54 per cent of the world’s population lives in urban areas, a proportion that is expected to increase to 66 per cent by 2050 (United Nations, 2014). As expanding urbanisation is one of the dominant types of land use change today and it is important that biological diversity is preserved and improved in an urban area when possible.
The benefits of an urban productive landscape can be multifaceted. They include improvement to the environment and landscape setting of developed areas, as well as significant socio-economic benefits including health and community development. (Michaels, 2005) A major benefit of a UPL is their positive impact on the ecological footprint and aid in boosting economy via self-sufficiency. Due to the world’s current economic state the demand for selfsufficiency and money saving ways of living are more vital than ever. This resulting in the population and popularity of urban productive landscapes is growing exponentially (Benton, 2013). A UPL can allow people in urban places to grow a selection of produce for themselves at a small cost; they often provide an important source of fresh food for families with poor access to fresh produce. In low-income areas, particularly cities, community gardens have filled up a gap in fresh, healthy and affordable food (Pena, 2005).
The social aspect of urban productive landscapes is beneficial to a diverse number of people worldwide. Research shows that UPLs such as community gardens and urban farms in towns and cities provide opportunity for people to associate themselves with nature and food production to develop and progress from any issue or problem they may have. For instance, introducing people who have low self-esteem and lack social skills to a small group of people in an UPL can help them to build confidence by working amongst a small team, completing tasks and reaping the product of their involvement in an urban productive landscape.
The cultivation of fruits and vegetables in an urban productive landscape also provides people with an opportunity to become less reliant on the importation off crops from around the world, which can be grown locally. The participation in any type of UPL results in the reduction of food miles, the distance food items travel during the journey from producer to consumer. The reduction of food miles created by urban growers worldwide could result in a significant effect on the ecological footprint. The less food transported across the world in heavy goods vehicles, the less fossil fuels burnt contributing to global warming (IPCC, 2007)
Urban productive landscapes have also proven to help people with mental illnesses, special needs, alcoholism, drug addiction and criminal records. (Thompson, 2015). Serene Oasis located in Hong Kong is an urban garden with an objective of horticulture therapy. The 7,000 square foot garden in the Choi Hung estate is planted with over 60 species and has proven success in helping people to deal with mental and emotional problems, as well as troubles with dementia. More than 800 people who have taken part and nine out of ten said it had helped them to become more focused and deal with their emotional problems by caring for the plants and meeting others with similar problems (Serene Oasis Christian Family Centre, 2013).
Another benefit of an urban productive landscape is its ability to absorb pollution. This has a huge impact on the ecological footprint. In urban areas, especially cities, various pollutants such as gasses, particles and aqueous solutions in rain or mist affect the atmosphere. With the help of planting and tree growth in a UPL pollution can be removed from the air, it is estimated that trees absorb seventy to eighty percent of the pollution through the uptake of leaf stomata (Friends of Trees, 2009). Ecosystems, particularly wetlands, which can be found in 12
Participating in a UPL can aid young adults and teenagers by building their confidence and gaining work experience, which could potentially lead to future employment. The Pupil Referral unit in Hackney, London provides an opportunity for excluded schoolchildren and teenagers to temporarily volunteer at the Hackney City Farm. By doing this, they are attempting to resolve behavioral issues as well as educating the children and teenagers (Hackney Gov, 2015). Another example of urban productive landscape organisation striving to benefit people is the High Grow project located in Darlington. It is a small community run project with the objective to introduce healthy ways of eating by introducing sprawls of free fresh fruits and vegetables across the small town. The community run project also helps to provide recreational gardening activities and leisure for people of all ages with mental and physical disabilities.
Fig. 8 Serene Oasis community gardeners
Urban Productive Landscape Benefit Summary: • Environment Improvement • Economy Improvement • Health & Wellbeing • Social Interaction • Community Connection
It is not only adults who are benefiting from the introduction of urban productive landscapes, children are too. Whilst growing up, it is vital that children learn cognitive and social skills. Many people in compact urban areas do not have access to a garden or even an outside area in their home therefore, an urban productive landscape can aid a child’s development. By being involved in a UPL, children can learn skills such as team work and basic knowledge of nature and food production. (Surrey Docs Farm 2013).
2.4 UPL Summary This study of urban productive landscapes shows that UPLS can differ in type across the world but all share the same objective of growing a type of produce for their local community. Although depending on their location, they can have very different motivations and reasons for their production. The highlighted information also shows that the involvement in an urban productive landscape project can prove beneficial to people of all ages in more way than one.
The presence of animals in some UPLs helps children to understand where some food sources come from. Involvement in an urban productive landscape can also benefit older children, teenagers and young adults. Children who are involved in gardening are more likely to try, enjoy and eat more vegetables. The combination of the social connection of gardening with the increased access to fruit and vegetables, creates a new norm in children who continue to make healthier choices (Robinson-O’Brien, 2009).
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Fig. 9 Hackney City Farm pigs 14
Hackney City Farm, London A city farm dedicated to helping people learn about food, nature and the environment. Its unique setting the metropolis of London inspires children and adults to participate in courses and workshops and leave with new knowledge, friendships and inspiration. The Hackney City Farm was established in 1984, it was created by enthusiastic members of the local community who had an objective to provide a farming experience for young and old members of the community. Since the opening the dedication and enthusiasm of then current manager, Chris Pounds and the local community has turned Hackney City Farm into the successful community resource centre it is today. The farm is a living and growing community hub that will continue to develop into the future. During the early years of Hackney City Farm, they received a grant from the London Borough of Hackney. In recent years, it had been reduced due to council cutbacks. In response to this, the farm has concentrated on securing a sustainable future by developing areas of social enterprise. The farm offers many opportunities of learning and leisure to the community and more. The farm offers courses to learn about the environment and nature. Hackney City Farm also provides school visits for a tour of the farm and workshops. They also have a ‘mini farmers club’ for small children to help manage the farmyard and learn basic skills. The result of this is a successful mix of commercial and community activing enhancing the farms sustainability whilst investing in the local community. 15
High Grow Darlo, Darlington A community run project supported by Groundwork North East, planting fruits, vegetables and herbs in public areas across the town. High Grow hopes to become a pioneer of healthy eating to benefit the whole community. Groundwork North East provided allotment facilities for the High Grow Project to propagate seeds, which will then be planted throughout Darlington. In High Grow Darlo’s vision to promote healthy eating across its small town they aim to scatter plantations of fruits, vegetables and herbs in public places free for consumption. From market squares to churchyards, retirement homes to high streets, High Grow sets out to make its mark wherever possible and get the local community involved. Projects consist of working with local schools and community centres to help children to learn about nutrition and food production, the children often get involved with the planting and eating of the fruits and vegetables. High Grow has even inspired some schools to have their own vegetable patches and allotments. The High Grow project welcomes anyone who wants to get involved young or old. They also provide opportunity for individuals with mental or physical disability to get involved in part of a team where they can learn basic gardening skills. Working as part of the High Grow team aims to create greater community involvement and benefit everyone in any way possible. 16
Fig. 10 High Grow team members 17
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What makes a successful Urban Productive Landscape?
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Fig. 10 11. Incredible City Slicker Edible Farms gathering 19
3.1 Defining the success of a UPL
instruction as well as delegate tasks to group members. Sprout City Farm in Denver, US says “Our diverse board and staff members provide thought leadership in the ever-shifting landscape of Denver’s urban agriculture movement, while empowering communities to make decisions that impact the way they eat.” (Sprout City Farm, 2016) This quote shows having an established leader or leaders can help guide an urban productive landscape to succeed as well as inspire people. A UPL leader will commonly organise group meetings between the users of the site to organise the project as well as set up fundraising events for their organisation
From case study research there are several key factors apparent which could determine the success of an urban productive landscape. Factors that can outline the success of a UPL are: • • • •
Involvement Organisation Popularity & Marketing Commercialism
Involvement “So much can be achieved if communities are empowered to get involved in the planning, design, management and maintenance of public spaces, and this is critical if we are to create spaces that communities love, now and in the future.” (Andrews, 2007) When starting an urban growing space it is important to gain community involvement from the beginning. By doing this, a bond is formed between a group and a standard is set for future involvement in the project. (NLFA, 2011) It is common that in a busy city area people rarely see their neighbours or feel part of a community. By being involved in an UPL such as a community garden project, an opportunity is provided for people to connect with their community in a meaningful way. Their involvement in a project such as a community garden also provides an opportunity to boost community spirit, this being another beneficial factor to the success of an urban productive landscape.
Fig 12. Sprout City Farmers Having a leader in an UPL project also allows opportunity for someone to act as a spokesperson to the individuals involved, local communities and local councils or governments. A good connection between the project leader and a local government can benefit the UPL projects by negotiating elements such as more space, resources and government funding. The Australian City Farms & Community Gardens Network has highlighted local government can respond positively to community pressure on urban food production and the social beneficial use of public land. (ACFCGN, 2015) A project leader can also insist on advice or help to any of the community members with an issue.
Organisation In urban productive landscape projects, it is important certain roles are established within the community group to create success. Typical roles can consist of a project leader, a project manager and team members. (CABE, 2007) A leader will oversee the whole project with aims for the urban agricultural space to thrive. A leadership or managerial role in an urban productive landscape is essential as they can organise a project, provide 20
The volunteers of an urban productive landscape project also play a vital role in the UPLs success. The participation and support of individuals helps an urban productive landscape to thrive. Involvement can come from a diverse selection of people such as local residents and families. To schools, college and university classes. Local businesses may also get involved in an urban productive landscape project and sometimes contribute tools or equipment. A mixture of people working in an urban productive landscape provides a mass of mixed knowledge, skills and experience.
The popularity of an urban productive landscape defines success by each organisations motives becoming recognised and followed by more individuals, for example the Incredible Edible project in Todmorden, UK. An organisation with aims to make themselves the country’s first self-sufficient town by providing quality local food for the community by working together. They also aim to support local businesses with their projects. This organisation has gone from strength to strength since 2008 where it started out planting small plots of fruits and vegetables in public places. Incredible Edible now has over 100 projects around the UK and over 700 projects worldwide (Incredible Edible, 2015) In 2009 the Incredible Edible project was featured on Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s River Cottage television programme (River Cottage, 2009) and in 2010, the Incredible Edible project was recognised and supported by Prince Charles with a personal visit. (BBC, 2010) This evidence shows through popularity an urban productive landscape can become popular and succeed thoroughly, even if it starts very small.
All of this information and knowledge can then be implemented into the process of the project to help the UPL succeed. The community spirit created by harvesting crops, which the members have worked hard to create in UPLs such as community gardens, can lead to the sense of fulfillment and wanting to remain involved in the project and see it progress. The physical involvement and maintenance input from volunteers of a UPL can also act as a key successor; the impact from community involvement in to an urban productive landscape can be highly beneficial. Involvement in the smallest tasks from composting to watering plants can help the UPL to flourish further.
ARE YOU SOMEONE WHO LOVES ALL THINGS GREEN?
HAVE YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO GROW YOUR OWN FLOWERS, FRUITS, VEGETABLES, AND HERBS?
Popularity & Marketing Another key factor defining the success of an urban productive landscape is its popularity. It is important to establish popularity of the urban growing space between community members as it presents an opportunity for them to become involved in a community project. A typical UPL organisation will often welcome any volunteers as it provides opportunity to benefit their space through physical involvement as well allow the new volunteers to share their experiences with others, which then could lead to additional volunteers and increased popularity of that urban productive landscape in the future. In the present day, uses of social-media can help to boost the popularity of an urban productive landscape as a large number of people could notice the organisation.
HERE IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY!
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WHERE
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(CORNER OF CONEY ISLAND AVENUE)
FOOD, DRINKS, AND CHILD CARE WILL BE PROVIDED.
GET INVOLVED AND GROW! FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
SUSAN SIEGEL AT: 718-282-5595 ANNE POPE AT: ANNE@SUSTAINABLEFLATBUSH.ORG
SPONSORED BY SUSTAINABLE FLATBUSH (FISCAL SPONSOR FDC)
Fig. 13 Flatbush NYC advertisement 21
Commercialism The commercial aspect of an urban productive landscape can also play a big role in a UPLs success. As some UPLs such as Organiponicos and Autoconsumos, high yield commercial gardens in Cuba depend on capital, it is important that they grow enough produce and sell it annually to sustain their organisation, it is also important that non-commercial organisations such as community gardens and city farms generate a certain amount of money to keep their project operating. Typically, they are none-profit organisations who rely on the donation of kind community members and small profits from their harvests, fundraising events or educational classes (Iles, 2005). A community project like an urban farm or garden can also sometimes rely and greatly benefit from a government grant There are existing agricultural organisations, which provide funding for UPL projects in the UK, an example of this is the Grow Wild UK organisation recently “awarding funding of £1,000 to £4,000 to community groups that want to bring people together to transform a communal space by sowing and growing UK native plants.” (Grow Wild, 2016). 3.2 UPL Success Summary From this research, it is identified that urban productive landscapes mainly rely on the usage and input of individuals to make them succeed. Without the enthusiasm and dedication of community members, most urban productive landscape projects would not be successful. Case study research also shows that the use of urban productive landscapes are becoming more popular throughout the UK, there are now over 700 community gardens and city farms in London alone (FCGCF, 2015). Incredible Edible, Todmorden case study research information has proven that the power of community cohesion and drive for success can establish a UPL project further than just the local community. Receiving a personal visit from Prince Charles and support from celebrity chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall. 22
Fig. 14 Support from Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall at Incredible Edible’s Harvest Festival 23
Fig 15. Sprout City school visit 24
Sprout City Farm, Denver “Sprout City Farms (SCF) envisions a thriving local food system within the Denver metro area supported by a network of accessible city farms which nourish, and are nourished by, their surrounding community.” (Sprout City Farm, 2008) SCG aims to develop a healthier community by providing fresh locally grown organic foods across the city. Throughout their projects, they aim to educate the community members by informing them exactly where their food comes from as well as demonstrating how to produce it themselves. Participating at a SCG farm can result in advanced food knowledge and the likelihood of a future healthy lifestyle. Through their healthy food vision, they aim to achieve a future of a sustainable and fair urban farming economy. In order to take care of Denver’s environment SCF support long term initiatives that seek to address food security as long as their farming methods appropriately harmonise with the local eco system. Sprout City Farm are able to provide food for their community by donating 10% of their grown produce to emergency food relief programs. Aiming to address food access issues in Denver and improving the health of the community members in need. SCF also work with the Community Supported Agriculture who provide free and reduced price plots for growing. Sprout City Farms also transport their fresh organic produce to schools cafeterias across Denver where it then sold supporting local economic development. SCF also offers youth programs designed to engage and excite children of all ages. Using their city farms as classrooms they teach children hands on growing and harvesting techniques, learning about food and how to cook it as well as caring for the environment. Sprout City Farm’s Youth Growers programme helps students to develop skills in farming and leadership, which then can result in them becoming peer educators and future organic food advocates. 25
Incredible Edible, Todmorden “We are passionate people working together for a world where all share responsibility for the future wellbeing of our planet and ourselves. We aim to provide access to good local food for all through working together, learning from field to class to kitchen and supporting local businesses” (Incredible Edible 2008) The Incredible Edible organisation grows fruits, herbs and vegetables around Todmorden for the local community to share. The ‘Incredibles’ as they refer to themselves also run a wide range of events to help strengthen the local community. The run events such as cookery demonstrations and free tasting, their own free harvest festival, free talks and workshops, creative days for children and much more. All of these events are run also run by unpaid staff. Their long lasting list ability of providing such activities and projects outlines why they are a pioneering urban productive landscape organisation in the United Kingdom. In 2012 the Incredible Edible organisation set up The Incredible Edible Network, their aim was to answer the flood of enquiries from people around the world who wanted to embrace the Incredible Edible’s aims. A successful funding bid enabled the establishment of the Incredible Edible Network, the grant provides money for services to assist Network members. Since the formation of the network in 2012, Incredible Edible has established more than 100 groups in the UK supporting the incredible movement. Due to the help of social media, Incredible Edible has established thousands of fans and regularly provides conferences and workshops across the country. The Incredible Edible Network can assist from the smallest task of composting all the way to working with local authorities. 26
Fig 16. Incredible Edible community gathering
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3.3 Urban Productive Landscape challenges
Site Issues
It is obvious to highlight that the opposing successors of an urban productive landscape can become a challenge to a UPL. If a project lacked organisation or involvement from the community, it is less likely to succeed as an urban productive landscape. There can be several other elements, which challenge the success of an urban productive landscape. The challenges can start almost immediately. The first step to creating an urban productive landscape is establishing an urban area with potential to become an agricultural space.
As previously stated, urban productive landscapes are usually located in unused areas or once derelict sites in towns or cities, otherwise known as a brownfield site. A brownfield site is a plot of land previously owned by industry e.g. factories. As the sites were previously of industrial use, there are often chances of the ground and soil being contaminated by chemical waste products. (Viljeon, 2005) Before committing to gardening a site, it is important to research the site’s history as the ground may have a range of contaminants depending on its past use. (EPA, 2011)
Availability & Planning
A common contaminate in a brownfield site is a type of metal. Soils polluted with metals have become common across the globe due to increase in geologic and anthropogenic activities. Plants growing on these soils show a reduction in growth, performance, and yield. (Chibuike, 2014) The contaminated soil, which is used to produce fruits and vegetables, which lacks quality nutrients and may contain a poisonous substance, which could potentially lead to health problems in the individual who consumes them. (EPA, 2011)
When starting an urban productive landscape project the initial objective is to establish a suitable piece of land. As common UPLs are located in unused areas and brownfield sites finding a suitable site, which is available can be difficult. As the value of an unused area or brownfield site may have potential to more lucrative land uses such as shops or apartment blocks the availability of land for an urban productive landscape may be difficult to establish. (Quon, 1999) In areas of rapid urbanisation, it likely the economic benefit of erecting buildings overrules the potential for an urban productive landscape such as a city farm as they only provide a minor economic benefit and usually require a certain amount of funding.
Table: Contaminants found in brownfield sites
As urban agriculture usually cannot provide the economic returns of industry or housing, urban development pressures may compel or even force landholders to sell their urban plots (Aziz 1997). Due to the lack of space provided for UPLs, some opportunistic farmers and gardeners may find ways to adopt the smallest of plots such as road verges or areas that are hazardous and undevelopable. Such opportunistic use of land can undermine community planning and lead to conflicts between competing users, environmental damage or unregulated production and processing that may be hazardous to consumers. (Freeman 1991) The provision of a legitimate space for an urban productive landscape can act as great challenge for community members and farmers.
(Boulding and Ginn, 2004)
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All of the constituents may be present at levels, which pose no risk or if present in high concentrations, may be harmful to the quality of plants an urban productive landscape is hoping to grow. (EPA, 2011) From research, it is evident that soil pollution in an inaccurate choice of site can result in a challenge to the success of an urban productive landscape.
to a community garden due to the size of the site and them possessing live stock. There are a number of organisations supporting existing and potential urban growing spaces. For example the UK’s Elspeth Thompson Bursary by The National Gardens Scheme (NGS). The NGS offers funding to support community gardening projects. On the condition that projects are open to everyone and should be aimed at bringing the community together by the sharing and acquiring of horticultural knowledge and skills, and by inspiring a love of gardening across all age groups. Bursaries generally range between £1,000 and £3,500. (NGS, 2015) An example of a UPL project assisted by NGS is the Ushaw Moor Community Garden in Durham, an area of derelict land converted into a thriving green space for the whole community. If an urban productive landscape cannot establish funding for their organisation it may determine how much longer the agricultural space is active. Government funding such as council grants being cut back may also lead an urban productive landscape into decline. Volunteers and staff at Deen City Farm are currently waiting to hear how much funding Merton Council, will slash from their budget, but fear the farm could face a short future if it loses its financial lifeline from the council. (Middleton, 2015) Deen City Farm was saved but this evidence shows it is possible for an urban productive to be short lived if they have issues with money and funding. Urban Productive Landscape challenges summary: • Availability & Planning • Site Issues • Funding & Cutbacks • Involvement & Organisation • Popularity & Vandalism
Fig 16. Soil testing Funding & Cutbacks If an urban productive landscape is a none-profit organisation like most community gardens and city farms, these types of projects may require a form of funding. The awarded funding may usually be used to start the initial project or to aid the organisation in their agricultural process. A city farm may generally require and rely on larger amount of funding compared 29
Fig 18. Ushaw community garden raised beds 30
Ushaw Moor Community Garden A piece of derelict land in a former County Durham mining village converted into a thriving green space for the whole community. Ushaw Moor community gardens acts as a community hub where people of all ages can come together and participate in recreational gardening activities. Ushaw grows a variety of fruits and vegetables in their community garden using a raised bed technique throughout. The garden not only provides opportunity for community members to get their hands dirty, they can simply enjoy the space to socialise and relax. They are currently in the process of starting their own ‘Men’s Sheds’ mini project. A trend that originally formed in Australia and New Zealand. The concept it to provide a chance for men to get together and chat, “Because we’re not very good at talking about our emotions and all that.” Says Jon Arthurs the leader of the Ushaw Moor community garden. (Arthurs, 2014) The Ushaw Moor community garden also has educational value as they often have local primary schools attend the garden and get involved with work on the raised beds. Ushaw also run a successful scheme, which they work with children who are seen as being at high risk of getting involved in crime. Through the valiant efforts of everyone involved at Ushaw, last year they won a Royal Horticultural Award for their hard work. Although the community project is mainly successful they have faced some challenges. Last year, 40 people signed up to be friends of the garden and to help out, but only four turned up. 31
Deen City Farm, London Deen City Farm is an urban farm with an educational focus in the heart of the London Borough of Merton. They teach the local community about the rural environment and where their food comes from. They also have an active volunteering programme as well as a Riding School offering affordable lessons to the local community. Deen City Farm is a registered charity, supported by Merton Council, and rely upon donations from visitors and the local community to help them carry out their work. They play host to a huge range of activities and events; providing educational visits to schools, riding lessons for people of all levels, holiday schemes working in the farm yard and much more! Deen City Farm are always interested in people who want to contribute something back to their community, whether it is a few hours helping out in the CafĂŠ or using tradesman skills to repair or construct something inside or out. Equally, those considering a career in the care industry might want to assist with less independent volunteers by acting as a mentor for them. 32
Fig.19 Deen City Farm volunteers 33
Fig 20. Poineering UPL movement, Incredible Edible 34
4
Creating a successful Urban Productive Landscape in the United Kingdom
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4.1 Comparing occurring themes amongst UPLs Community Gardens: theme comparison table
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Urban/City Farms: theme comparison table
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4.2 Valuable lessons learnt
Organisation & Communication
Involvement
From research, it is identified that in developed countries such as the UK and United States of America, UPLS are greatly accessible due to the help of online media. A perfect example of this is an association website such as the American Community Gardening Association. On websites like the ACGA’s, it is possible to find every UPL in a country or city. On the site it is possible to locate individual growing spaces, their details and more.
Earlier in the study, it is highlighted that involvement from the community in an urban productive landscape can play a vital role in its success. From research, it is apparent that some UPLs receive more input than others. Several factors may lead community members to becoming involved in a local UPL project. The most common factor identified through comparing UPLs is the need for community improvement. Most UPL projects aim to improve their community by regeneration through creating exciting green spaces (Flatbush NYC, 2008).
Using this information it is possible for a community member to contact a local UPL project leader and become involved in future activity. In countries such as Cuba where high-yield commercial gardens are located, less evidence is available to find local UPLs online. This does not mean that the urban productive landscapes are unsuccessful but it does put them at an advantage compared to other UPLs like the ones in the UK and US.
Another common community aim is to create healthier food choices for the community through an urban productive landscape (Incredible Edible, 2007). A lesson learnt from this investigation is that community UPL organisations located in a poor urban area such as Brooklyn, New York, are more likely to gain involvement from a wider community wanting to improve the place they live.
A lesson learnt from this is that online media can be an important resource to help a community project become successful. A UPL project has greater chance of being located by more community members as well as the benefit of using media to communicate with residents about project information. Focusing on UK urban productive landscapes, through case study research it is evident that the majority of community gardens and urban farms have their own website or social media page for advertisement and communication, showing they are equal with international UPLs in developed areas.
Focusing on urban productive landscapes in the UK, it is evident that a something small can eventually grow in to something much more established. A great example of this is the Incredible Edible organisation located in Todmorden. Highlighted by case study research, Incredible Edible has transformed from a small vegetable planting project into a global movement. All of which was created by the consistency and involvement of the local community (Incredible Edible, 2007).
4.3 Instructions for a successful UPL
A lesson learnt from the comparison urban productive landscapes is that community participation is essential for a project to succeed, amongst smaller UPL movements such as the High Grow project in Darlington; more community involvement would help them to become more established amongst the community.
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Establish a project leader Seek community involvement Create a system Promote future projects Share knowledge Grow where possible Increase biodiversity Fundraise Have fun!
Fig 21. A well organised NEU community garden, Vancouver 39
5
Conclusion
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Fig 22. Pacific and 6th community garden, California 41
Fig 23. Southsea Greenhouse community garden message 42
5.1 Conclusion From case study research and the comparison of results, it is evident that UK and international urban productive landscapes contain many similarities through key principles. Not only are they similar aesthetically but they generally face the same challenges to become successful. Research focusing urban productive landscapes across the world, has highlighted that a large number of UPLs have the same aim to improve their location by creating growing green spaces. Another important aim of urban productive landscapes is to create community cohesion through urban agricultural activity. From this investigation and case study research it is identified that current urban productive landscapes such as city farms and community gardens have created a unique environment considering their location. The agricultural activity provides different opportunities for an average city or town resident. Focusing on the contrast of international and UK urban productive landscapes, this study has highlighted that UPLs in the United Kingdom can be equally or more successful than urban productive landscapes worldwide Further research including site visits and personal opinions from UPL members could reveal different information.
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Refrences: Books Bohn, K. (2005) Continuous Productive Urban Landscapes: Designing Urban Agriculture for Sustainable Cities. Edited by Andre Viljoen and Joe Howe. United Kingdom: Architectural Press. Bohn, K. and Viljoen, A. (2014) Second nature urban agriculture: Making cities productive. United Kingdom: Routledge. Haag, S. D. Den (2012) Food for the City: A Future for the Metropolis. Edited by Brigitte van der Sande. Illustrated edn. Netherlands: NAi. Hardman, M. and Larkham, P. J. (2014) ‘Guerrilla gardeners, urban agriculture, food and the future’, Informal Urban Agriculture. Mathew, Carmona, M., Heath, T., Oc, T. and Tiesdell, S. (2010) Public places - urban spaces: The dimensions of urban design. 2nd edn. Oxford, UK: Architectural Press. Diamand, E., Riley, P., Barron, H. and Earth, F. of the (2001) Get real about food and farming: Friends of the earth’s vision for the future of farming in the UK. London: Friends of the Earth. Steel, C. (2009) Hungry city: How food shapes our lives. 5th edn. London: Random House UK. Viljoen, A. (2012) Sustsainable Food Planning: Evolving Theory and Practice. Edited by André Viljoen and Johannes S. C. Wiskerke. illustrated edn. Netherlands: Wageningen Academic Publishers. Viljoen, A. and Bohn, K. (2012) ‘Scarcity and abundance: Urban agriculture in Cuba and the US’, Architectural Design Wackernagel, M., Rees, W. E. and Testemale, P. (1995) Our ecological footprint: Reducing human impact on the earth. 6th edn. United States: New Society Publishers. Waldheim, C. (ed.) (2006) the landscape urbanism reader. 1st edn. New York, NY: Princeton Architectural Press. 44
Refrences: Websites http://www.stpeterschurchfairwater.org.uk/community-garden
http://sproutcityfarms.org/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6a45W5OqRQ
http://www.incredible-edible-todmorden.co.uk/home
http://www.friendsoftrees.org/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UCzI73MXvMNesn7TlnQo8IgA
http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/1237741/sereneurban-garden-helps-vulnerable-grow-confidence
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bradford-westyorkshire-11237200
http://www.surreydocksfarm.org.uk/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHGYWixlB80
http://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-09/documents/ bf_urban_ag.pdf
http://www.hackney.gov.uk/education-learning.htm
http://www.hindawi.com/journals/aess/2014/752708/
http://www.ourgateshead.org/SIGN
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-ofsoil-pollution.php
http://www.grownyc.org/files/GrowNYC_ CommunityGardenReport.pdf
http://www.ngs.org.uk/what-we-do/our-partners/elspeththompson-bursary.aspx
http://www.cprelondon.org.uk/resources/item/2192-londonsallotments-and-community-gardens
http://www.wimbledonguardian.co.uk/news/11743206.Staff_ fear_city_farm_could_face_closure/
http://flatbushcommunitygarden.blogspot.co.uk/ http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2008/apr/04/organics. food http://www.i-sis.org.uk/OrganicCubawithoutFossilFuels.php http://www.ipcc.ch/publications_and_data/ar4/wg1/en/spmsspmunderstanding-and.html http://www.cabe.org.uk/files/its-our-space.pdf http://www.nlfa.ca/ http://communitygarden.org.au/2015/07/29/community-supportsaves-footpath-garden-joondalup/ 45
Refrences: Figures Front & Back illustration by author.
Fig 12. Sprout City farmers: http://blog.realtimefarms.com/2012/08/07/sprout-city-farmsmisses-their-school/
Fig 1. Prospect Heights community garden: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ williumbillium/
Fig 13. Flatbush NYC advertisement: https://www.facebook.com/sustainableflatbush/
Fig 2. Federation Square Melbourne ‘Pop-up patch’: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ juliandobson/8751681239
Fig 14. Support from Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall at Incredible Edible’s Harvest Festival: https://www.facebook.com/Incredible-Edible-Todmorden
Fig 3. Organic yield: https://www.flickr.com/photos/jdellaringa/3854556561/
Fig 15. Sprout City Farm school visit: http://dgsece.weebly.com/blog/ece-visits-sproutcity-farm
Fig 4. Flatbush CommUNITY gardeners: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ sustainableflatbush/6060353018
Fig 16. Incredible Edible community gathering: https://www.facebook.com/IncredibleEdible-Todmorden-Community-Team
Fig 5. Organoponico Vivero Alamar, Cuba: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ yosoynuts/6373710181
Fig 17. Soil testing: http://camblab.info
Fig 6. Flatbush CommUNITY spirit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ sustainableflatbush/8743784082
Fig 18. Ushaw community garden raised beds: http://umag.org.uk/the-communitygarden/
Fig 7. Organiponico Plaza: https://www.flickr.com/photos/organicvision/5496849387
Fig 19. Pioneering UPL movement, Incredible Edible: https://www.flickr.com/ photos/mikejerskine/8009248833
Fig 8. Serene Oasis community gardeners: http://meiriki-jp.com. hk/1378584_10151668150198062
Fig 20. A well organized NEU community garden, Vancouver: https://www.facebook. com/NEU-Community-Garden
Fig 9. Hackney City Farm pigs: http://www.ajbuildingslibrary.co.uk/projects/ display/id/4843
Fig 21. Pacific and 6th community garden, California: https://www.flickr.com/ photos/68264745
Fig 10. High Grow team members: https://www.facebook.com/682963241764963
Fig 22. Southsea Greenhouse community garden message: https://www.flickr.com/ photos/create_up/14425485744/
Fig 11. City Slicker Farms: https://www.flickr.com/photos/coreyc23/4351672166 46
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