“I came here and it flows”: An interpretative phenomenological analysis of low-income residents’ experiences with allotment gardening

Accessing nature can significantly benefit mental and physical health. However, in England, individuals from low-income areas generally do not access nature to the same extent as those from affluent neighbourhoods due to a lack of private and public greenspace. In response, this research uses ethnography combined with Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis to explore the experiences of allotment gardeners living in low-income areas. The paper aims to (i) explore the possible wellbeing benefits of allotment gardens and (ii) examine the potential role of allotments in making low-income areas ‘just green enough’. Three themes were developed from the analysis. “It’s always going to be something which I associate myself with”: Connection to Self explores the sense of identity and empowerment participants experienced through allotment gardening. “It’s not just your allotment”: Connection with Others outlines the culture of sharing on site which connects gardeners and the challenges to integrating into the community. Finally, “I find the allotment a safe place”: A Space of Sanctuary highlights the importance of allotments as a safe and private place for participants to retreat to for mental wellbeing. The findings demonstrate the importance of allotment gardening within low-income areas for identity, community, empowerment and mental health and have implications for government and local councils by highlighting the importance of allotments for tackling the issue of greening low-income areas.