Exploring guerrilla gardening: gauging public views on the grassroots activity

Adams, D, Hardman, M ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4282-0766 and Larkham, P 2014, 'Exploring guerrilla gardening: gauging public views on the grassroots activity' , Local Environment - The International Journal of Justice and Sustainability, 20 (10) , pp. 1231-1246.

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Abstract

The literature on guerrilla gardening is developing rapidly. The majority of these accounts currently derive from North America, with little academic exploration apparent beyond this context: they focus explicitly on the grass-roots gardeners and show little regard for those surrounding the action’s location. Guerrilla gardeners often colonise land not only without the permission from authorities, but also with little regard for those who surround the space; transforming areas without consulting with the local communities. This paper explores those affected by guerrilla gardening; grounding our argument in evidence gathered from the activities of three guerrilla groups. In doing so, we investigate the public’s views of several informal gardening projects, questioning their value and impact on the surrounding areas. The emerging responses are very mixed, ranging from positive comments about improving aesthetics, to negative remarks surrounding the practices of some groups. Ultimately, this paper demonstrates how, although often promoted and perceived to be a constructive activity, guerrilla gardening can result in adverse impacts on those who surround colonised sites.

Item Type:	Article
Themes:	Built and Human Environment Health and Wellbeing
Schools:	Schools > School of Environment and Life Sciences > Ecosystems and Environment Research Centre
Journal or Publication Title:	Local Environment - The International Journal of Justice and Sustainability
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Refereed:	Yes
ISSN:	1354-9839
Related URLs:	Publication
Funders:	Non funded research
Depositing User:	M Hardman
Date Deposited:	20 Jan 2015 12:19
Last Modified:	15 Feb 2022 18:52
URI:	https://usir.salford.ac.uk/id/eprint/33299

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