The research project, which seeks to increase urban biodiversity through transformative design for streets, has been granted over £58,000 by the Kusuma Trust.
Date: 17 October 2022
Academics from London Met’s schools of Art, Architecture and Design and Social Sciences and Professions have been awarded a major grant from the Kusuma Trust, a philanthropic organisation that supports causes, organisations and people that are making a positive difference to society.
Over £58,000 will be granted to support the Wild Ways study linked to Rewild My Street, a design-research project based at the Centre for Urban and Built Ecologies, which seeks to increase urban biodiversity through transformative design for streets, gardens and homes.
Specifically, the grant will fund interdisciplinary research from Sian Moxon and Dr Justin Webb to understand and influence the potential for small adaptations to London’s private gardens to significantly increase wildlife habitat. The study’s three research stages are: interviews and surveys to look at people’s response to rewilding; the development of a strategy to promote rewilding activities; and finally, a pilot programme to test the strategy.
Sian commented, "We are thrilled to be able to progress this critical research area, which combines the disciplines of design and behavioural science to provide new insights for enabling urban rewilding to help address the biodiversity crisis."
Justin added, "Behaviour change is key to reversing declines in urban wildlife habitat caused by residents’ decisions about how they manage their own gardens."
The Kusuma Trust choose partners who are creating access to opportunities, improving health and well-being, and investing in our communities and environment. The trust’s Interim Head of Grants, Roisin Blake said, “We are delighted to support this work…and look forward to their findings about the potential of urban rewilding."
