Pathways of learning about biodiversity and sustainability in private urban gardens

Abstract

Nature-based solutions directed at improving biodiversity, on both public and private land, can provide multiple benefits, but many of these benefits are not being fully realized. One reason is the normative and cognitive disconnect between people and nature, highlighting the need for new learning programs to foster better nature connections. More is known about learning in the context of community gardens than in relation to private gardens. Using semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis, this study explores learning among residents engaged in home gardening for biodiversity in Winnipeg, Canada. We uncovered diverse and interconnected learning processes/activities founded on formative childhood experiences. The processes/activities were non-formal and informal, and included individual, social and blended experiences. Learning outcomes were also mutually influencing and multi-levelled, comprising normative, cognitive/behavioural and relational changes. The results support an analytical framework suggesting how learning-focused initiatives can enhance biodiversity on private property and aid in delivery of nature-based solutions.

Life Course Nature Exposure and Mental Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Future Directions

“…Consistent with our findings, qualitative studies have also supported the mental health benefits of nature exposure across childhood [71], adolescence [72], adulthood [73], and later adulthood [74]. In particular, both quantitative and qualitative studies have consistently highlighted formative childhood experiences related to nature; for example, the majority of adult interviewees in Winnipeg, Canada described formative childhood experiences related to gardening [71]. However, the qualitative studies suggested multipathway effects and interactions between activity-development and formal-informal processes, showing the complexities that were often not revealed in quantitative studies.…”

Wildlife gardening: an urban nexus of social and ecological relationships

“…Qualitative studies of wildlife gardeners reveal that they derive features of wellbeing from wildlife gardening similar to those reported for other forms of gardening, such as making social connections, feeling reduced stress and anxiety and improved mood, and enjoying one's garden and nature, including experiencing living creatures and their interactions Raymond et al 2019;Diduck et al 2020;Jones et al 2021). Importantly, wildlife gardeners also express wellbeing benefits specifically associated with the stewardship intent of their gardening, including learning and sharing biodiversity stewardship skills and knowledge, and feeling a sense of purpose and contribution to helping wildlife and the environment (Mumaw et al 2017;Raymond et al 2019;Jones et al 2021).…”

“…The pathways by which wildlife gardeners develop a land stewardship ethic and practice are influenced by multi-scalar social factors, such as cultural and neighborhood norms and behaviors, and institutional support (Diduck et al 2020;Jones et al 2021). Experiencing wellbeing, learning stewardship skills by doing, and connecting more strongly to nature, community and place appear to reinforce and strengthen stewardship values and practice in an interdependent way (Mumaw 2017).…”

The ‘GartenApp’: Assessing and Communicating the Ecological Potential of Private Gardens

“…Thus, in a next step, the effectiveness of the GartenApp in serving as a communication tool between scientists, citizens and municipalities that can reach a wider audience and induce real-world changes should be tested. We do not expect the app to be a stand-alone tool, because, after all, direct human interaction in local communities and real-world examples are essential for change and stewardship [24,[72][73][74], and raising awareness and appealing to values may not be enough to encourage changes in gardeners [25,71]. Of the five stimulating levers of a toolbox for garden governance described by [24], two could be supported by the GartenApp.…”