Elisabeth Pedersen

ESRC Funded PhD Researcher, focusing on LGBTQAI+ experiences on community gardens and multispecies wellebeing. 

As a researcher with a focus on urban community gardens, I investigate how these spaces can address complex socio-political, environmental, and wellbeing challenges, with a specific emphasis on the experiences of LGBTQAI+ communities. My work in Brighton explores how community gardens, as spaces of human and multispecies interactions, foster meaningful connections within the LGBTQAI+ community while advancing more-than-human wellbeing. This research aims to understand the potential of community gardens in promoting social inclusion and environmental interdependence, particularly in urban spaces, and to provide actionable insights that value multispecies wellbeing amid environmental crises.

My work engages community garden spaces and local queer nature initiatives in Brighton to co-create future urban imaginaries. By bridging gaps in current community garden literature, I strive to highlight how these gardens can support underexamined communities and expand on the critical need for green, inclusive spaces in urban planning. This research holds significance for both community-led sustainability efforts and broader applications, offering actionable insights for enhancing health, wellbeing, and inclusive urban ecosystems.