Abstract
Urban allotment gardens (AGs) provide a unique combination of productive and recreational spaces for the inhabitants of European cities. Although the reasons behind the decision to have a plot, as well as the mode of use and gardening practices, are well recognised in the literature, these issues are mainly considered in relation to particular case studies within a single country. The regional diversity of European allotment gardens is still poorly understood, however. This knowledge gap became an incentive for us to carry out the present study. The research was conducted in seven countries: Austria, Estonia, Germany, France, Portugal, Poland and the UK. Surveys were used to assess the motivations of users regarding plot uses and gardening practices. Information was also collected during desk research and study visits, making use of available statistical data. Allotment gardens in Europe are currently very diverse, and vary depending on the historical, legal, economic and social conditions of a given country, and also as determined by geographical location. Three main types of plots were distinguished, for: cultivation, recreation–cultivation, and cultivation–recreation. The recreational use of AGs has replaced their use for food production in countries with a long history of urban gardening. The only exception is the UK. In some countries, the production of food on an AG plot is still its main function; however, the motivations for this are related to better quality and taste (the UK), as well as the economic benefits of self-grown fruits and vegetables (Portugal, Estonia). Among the wide range of motivations for urban gardening in Europe, there is increasing emphasis on active recreation, contact with nature and quality food supply.
Highlights
Various elements of green urban infrastructure are of growing interest to researchers due to the benefits they offer city dwellers
There are currently differences between the legal acts which regulate the functioning of allotment gardening in different countries (Table 2)
In France, Portugal and Estonia, allotment gardening is regulated by legal acts in various fields
Summary
Various elements of green urban infrastructure are of growing interest to researchers due to the benefits they offer city dwellers. AGs have direct benefits for their users, but they have a broader impact on the environment, for example, in the context of biodiversity [5,6], local climate regulations [7], pollination [8,9], and in terms of recreation and leisure, as they serve as places of relaxation for neighbourhood dwellers [10]. These numerous functions and benefits coexist and are intermingled within AGs as multifunctional parts of urban green infrastructure [11,12,13]. The benefits that users expect from their gardens highlight their motivations for having a plot and are manifested in the way gardens are used and in individual gardening practices
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
