Conference Agenda

Community gardens are increasingly recognised as urban spaces that promote physical activity, social interaction, relaxation, and contact with nature. In Porto, Portugal, LIPOR converted a vacant area into a community garden comprising 230 plots. Two plots were allocated to the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto, allowing members of the academic community to engage in gardening and enabling examination of perceived health and movement-related benefits. This study explored how participants experienced horticultural involvement on health and movement behaviours. A mixed‑methods pilot study was conducted with six participants who regularly cultivated the university plots. The project coordinator was also interviewed as an information-rich case. Data collection combined a questionnaire with “farm‑along” interviews carried out during gardening activities. Only qualitative data were analysed for this report, using inductive thematic analysis. Participants primarily associated gardening with improvements in mental well-being, noting reductions in stress and anxiety and a sense of calm linked to time spent in nature. The garden was described as a space to disconnect from work demands and digital environments. Social interaction, knowledge sharing, and exchanging produce contributed to a stronger sense of community. Gardening also encouraged participants to cook and consume the vegetables they grew. In contrast, gardening was viewed as contributing minimally to overall physical activity, apart from occasional strenuous tasks. No consistent changes in sleep patterns were reported. Community gardening appears to support mental well-being and social connectedness. University-led gardens may promote both individual and environmental health and merit further exploration within urban horticulture research.