Why Portable Gardens?
The Problem
The Geovation Challenge 2018 stated that:
People of all ages need access to quality natural spaces.
also
People of all ages and backgrounds need to have access to and use of public green spaces…to improve their mental and physical health and well-being
The problem is there is a lack of urban green spaces.
Research has already shown that a lack of natural spaces leaves people with reduced wellbeing. In response, we have identified that non-green spaces are not being converted into green areas.
Some existing solutions to us seem flawed, for example a small planter on a paved area outside a shopping centre.
Parks and gardens exist in fixed locations, may not be in areas with high footfall and typically are not open 24 hours, limiting public utilisation.
Our Solution
Our solution is to convert non-green areas into green ones with Portable Garden Units (PGUs).
Our PGUs are based on standard shipping container dimensions of 20ft x 8ft, simplifying transportation.
They can be linked to form larger gardens in interesting patterns as well as having a range of content varieties.
These enable sustainable living, better use of green spaces for recreation and support of local communities.
Our platform can act as an educational hub, explaining the contents of each unit and the positive impact of green spaces, such as providing a wildlife corridor for pollinators.
Geovation Challenge 2018 Winners
Portable Ecosystems were winners of the Geovation Challenge 2018 with our Portable Garden Units concept and invited to attend the Geovation Camp in London.
Geovate 2018 Funding Award
Portable Ecosystems were awarded funding and support at Geovate 2018: Building Greener Smarter Communities after pitching our Portable Garden Units concept at the Geovate 2018 conference.
Development of the first prototype
In March 2018 our first prototype was commissioned
New partnership
In September 2018 we signed our first research partnership with University of Cumbria and Lucy joined our team as our first associate student
Demonstration Site
In December 2018 our prototype unit was installed at the Solway Aviation Museum ready for its garden to be constructed.
