5 Reasons Why Community Gardens Are Good For Your Neighbourhood

“The first supermarket supposedly appeared on the American landscape in 1946. That is not very long ago. Until then, where was all the food? Dear folks, the food was in homes, gardens, local fields, and forests. It was near kitchens, near tables, near bedsides. It was in the pantry, the cellar, the backyard.” – Joel Salatin

There is a growing trend of people seeking to connect with nature and create more sustainable local food systems. A diverse variety of urban spaces are appearing across the globe. Inner city vacant plots and verges, community gardens and roof top gardens have appeared throughout urban and suburban environments. Unused spaces are being converted into productive habitats which also help with community building. Part of the urban agricultural revolution is the development and spread of community gardens which are popping up in cities, on university campuses and schools as well as at corporate offices and industrial estates.

A community garden is typically a piece of land collectively gardened by a group of people in a local community. Gardens can be either owned by individuals, local councils, not for profit organisations or some form of community trust. Gardens vary from region to region but generally provide fresh produce and plants as well as fostering community and connection between local residents.