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Shoots and leaves: exploring the impacts and fragile sustainability of sustainable place-making projects working with marginalised people

Ramsden, Sam

Authors

Sam Ramsden



Abstract

This article contributes to emerging research on sustainable place-making, but makes an important contribution through a strong focus on outcomes for marginalised people and the need for long-term sustainability. Sustainable place-making combines ‘place-making’ and ‘sustainable development’ to describe locally focused action working towards social, economic and environmental goals (Franklin and Marsden, 2015). The article explores an externally funded charity-led project working in a deprived area of the UK, implementing urban agriculture, community gardening and household energy activities. The project successfully engaged marginalised people, who strongly voiced outcomes including reduced isolation, improved mental health and increased resilience and self-reliance. Support from staff, volunteering in a team, enjoying gardening, accessing nature and financial savings provided a platform for impacts. Environmental outcomes were less tangible but included improvements to the local environment and reduced energy usage. However, after the funding finished, marginalised participants were vulnerable to outcomes not being sustained in the long term.

Citation

Ramsden, S. (2020). Shoots and leaves: exploring the impacts and fragile sustainability of sustainable place-making projects working with marginalised people. Voluntary Sector Review, https://doi.org/10.1332/204080520x15898294617450

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Nov 26, 2018
Online Publication Date Jun 1, 2020
Publication Date 2020
Deposit Date Jun 1, 2020
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal Voluntary Sector Review
Print ISSN 2040-8056
Publisher Policy Press
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
DOI https://doi.org/10.1332/204080520x15898294617450
Keywords sustainable place-making, long-term sustainability, marginalised people, community gardening
Public URL https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/3514600