Urban Horticulture: co-benefits to physical, mental and environmental health

This PhD will address the overarching research question of "Do families/individuals that grow food live more sustainable and healthier lifestyles?" Three key areas will be explored. 1) The impact of engaging with UH on diet: varied aspects related to diet will be explored, including food security, "healthfulness" of habitual diets, types and amounts of food grown, purchased and consumed by UH growers. 2) Potential impact of UH engagement on physical and mental health: using objective measures of physical activity this work will quantify the duration and intensity of physical activity of allotment holders. Mental health and general well-being will be explored. 3) The impact of UH on sustainability practices: do growers contribute less waste into the urban system - urban symbiosis (the potential to use resources otherwise wasted in the urban system, such as rainwater or organic waste)?