Utopia town Wuppertal urban gardening project

Transformation of previously derelict areas, Knowledge creation and awareness raising, Other

Illustrate how easy urban gardening is and its possibilities on private property such as balconies or terraces (Ref. 3) Knowledge transfer and capacity building about seeding, growing and harvesting of herbs, vegetables and fruits to interested citizens and students. (Ref. 3) Establishing the base for open, fair, biological and useful gardening in an urban context (Ref. 2) Provide a forum for ideation, discussion and testing of urban gardening practices (Ref. 3) Sustainable production and consumption: Illustrate alternatives to conventional urban green spaces and brownfields, empower and promote the reconquest of urban nature in communal efforts. Set an example for large-scale sustainable production. Encouraging sustainable consumption with the foodsharing initiative, where people bring their food that they do not need at home. (Ref. 3, 9) Transforming the area of the train station into a recreational area where citizens can meet, attend cultural events or exercise using the free bicycle lending service. (Ref. 3) Social cohesion and interaction: creating opportunities for people with different backgrounds to interact. (Ref. 11)

A part of the local urban gardening movement in Wuppertal has determined the former train station Mirke as a focus area for their activities due to its favourable location. Under the guiding principle “edible train station – edible town” and with the help of interested citizens, a barrier-free urban garden on 1,000 sqm was created. (Ref. 9) An area formerly used as a dump was redeveloped and wild vegetation removed. Next to allotments, buckets and rice bags where potatoes, beans, topinambur and herbs are grown, a recreational area is developed with seating and a pond for amphibians. Furthermore, the staircase to the train station and the surface areas of the outdoor gastronomy were greened with edible flowers and herbs that can be tested by pedestrians. Gardening workshops are already offered to citizens with little experience that require assistance and guidance and are planned to be further extended with seminars and practice classes for students (Ref. 3). A foodsharing station was also created to where people bring the food that they do not need at home. (Ref. 9) In the main building of the former train station, a bar, a concert venue and a free bicycle lending service was created and is operated by volunteers. (Ref. 9)

• Non-government organisation/Civil Society
• Citizens or community groups
• Marginalized groups: Socio-economically disadvantaged populations (e.g. low-income households, unemployed), Other
• Young people and children
• Other