Jocelyn Dodd Research Centre for Museums and Galleries (RCMG)

School of Museum Studies University of Leicester

Growing the social role of Botanic Gardens- research and evaluation

How socially relevant are Botanic Gardens?

Research methods

• Desk research• Questionnaires• Case studies• Interviews• Think Tank

7 key areas

1. Broadening audiences (audience development)

7 key areas

1. Broadening audiences (audience development)2. Enhancing relevance to communities (meeting

the needs of communities)

 

7 key areas

1. Broadening audiences (audience development)2. Enhancing relevance to communities (meeting

the needs of communities)3. Education

7 key areas

1. Broadening audiences (audience development)2. Enhancing relevance to communities (meeting

the needs of communities)3. Education4. Conducting research which has socio-economic

impact locally and globally

7 key areas

1. Broadening audiences (audience development)2. Enhancing relevance to communities (meeting

the needs of communities)3. Education4. Conducting research which has socio-economic

impact locally and globally5. Contributing to public (and political) debates on

the environment

7 key areas

1. Broadening audiences (audience development)2. Enhancing relevance to communities (meeting

the needs of communities)3. Education4. Conducting research which has socio-economic

impact locally and globally5. Contributing to public (and political) debates on

the environment6. Modelling sustainable behaviour

7 key areas

1. Broadening audiences (audience development)2. Enhancing relevance to communities (meeting

the needs of communities)3. Education4. Conducting research which has socio-economic

impact locally and globally5. Contributing to public (and political) debates on

the environment6. Modelling sustainable behaviour7. Actively changing attitudes and behaviour

Future developments

1. Redefining their purpose – values, mission, vision

• why we exist?• what we believe in?• who we do it for?• what we want to achieve?

1. Redefining their purpose – values, mission, vision2. A lengthy process of change across the whole

organisation

1. Redefining their purpose – values, mission, vision2. A lengthy process of change across the whole

organisation3. Botanic gardens are uniquely placed to address

climate change but they aren’t taking a visible and active role

1. Redefining their purpose – values, mission, vision2. A lengthy process of change across the whole

organisation3. Botanic gardens are uniquely placed to address

climate change but they aren’t taking a visible and active role

4. Botanic gardens should combine their social and environmental roles

1. Redefining their purpose – values, mission, vision2. A lengthy process of change across the whole

organisation3. Botanic gardens are uniquely placed to address

climate change but they aren’t taking a visible and active role

4. Botanic gardens should combine their social and environmental roles

5. Communicating, evidencing and advocating

1. Redefining their purpose – values, mission, vision2. A lengthy process of change across the whole

organisation3. Botanic gardens are uniquely placed to address

climate change but they aren’t taking a visible and active role

4. Botanic gardens should combine their social and environmental roles

5. Communicating, evidencing and advocating6. Finding a third way between the model of the

traditional botanic garden and the Eden Project

Evidence from growing the social role 2011- Winterbourne project

What drives organisations to be socially purposeful?

Why is this work so important?

• Social and environmental justice• Inclusion / exclusion • Making gardens meaningful in 21stc• Human Rights

“Everyone has the right to freely participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts, and share in scientific advancement and its benefits”.

UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948

What social impact can botanic gardens have?

Sense of belonging Green spaces

Good food & healthy living

Learning in a real world environment

spiritual benefits

Social spaces

Incorporating climate change

Connecting with prior experiences

‘You feel different, ….like different feelings……there are not so many people around and you feel calm’

Damion aged 12 Shorefields College, Toxteth, grew up on a farm in Poland

The importance of green spaces

Learning Impact

Learning is a process of active engagement with experience. It is what people do when they want to make sense of the world. It may involve the development or deepening of skills, knowledge, understanding, awareness, values, ideas and feelings, or an increase in the capacity to reflect. Effective learning leads to change, development and the desire to learn more.

MLA Museums, Archives and Libraries CouncilInspiring Learning for All framework

Generic Learning Outcomes knowledge & understanding

Horticultural methodsEnvironmental responsibility – compost etcAccess to expertise

skills Collaborate, negotiate, take responsibility Gardening organically Community project skills – language, cult barriers

attitudes &values

More accepting of difference Change view of what gardens might be

enjoyment, inspiration, creativity

Very high – catalyst to learningImpact on self esteem

action, behaviour, progression

Maturing experience Visit other gardensGrow vegetables organicallyLocal radio / unifying community project

5. What social impact can botanic gardens have?

Sense of belonging Green spaces

Good food & healthy living

Learning in a real world environment

spiritual benefits

Social spaces

Incorporating climate change

Connecting with prior experiences

Organisational issues- what inhibits botanic gardens from becoming socially purposeful?

• Perception that Botanic Gardens are already doing this work

• Financial concerns conflict with developing a social role• Motivation

• A ‘clear values-led leadership committed to engagement’

What inhibits botanic gardens becoming socially purposeful?

• Perception that Botanic Gardens are already doing this work

• Financial concerns conflict with developing a social role

• Motivation • A ‘clear values-led leadership committed to

engagement’

Skills and organisational working: what is needed?

• Project management• Team working• Skills or experience? • Focus on the achievable: keeping it simple

Action and development

1. Creating a vision for the sector - leadership2. Embedded in contemporary issues3. Rooted in wider national policy context

• health and well- being of communities• youth

4. Climate change as a social issue5. Underpin work with community development model

• working in partnership

6. Social role must impact across the whole organisation

‘I liked every moment of it’

‘I can’t pick one thing because they were all good’

Research Centre for Museums and Galleries (RCMG), University of Leicester jad25@le.ac.ukwww.le.ac.uk/museumstudies/research/rcmg