Research
Our Research Approach
Feed Our Communities CIC carries out community‑focused research that explores the relationships between food, ecology, health, culture and sustainable livelihoods. Our research supports evidence‑based practice, informs our programmes and contributes to wider understanding of how communities can build resilience through accessible land‑based learning and local food systems.
We combine lived experience, community knowledge and practical ecological insight to produce research that is relevant, inclusive and grounded in real‑world challenges.
Our Research Approach
Feed Our Communities CIC carries out community‑focused research that explores the relationships between food, ecology, health, culture and sustainable livelihoods. Our research supports evidence‑based practice, informs our programmes and contributes to wider understanding of how communities can build resilience through accessible land‑based learning and local food systems.
We combine lived experience, community knowledge and practical ecological insight to produce research that is relevant, inclusive and grounded in real‑world challenges.
What We Research
- Community food security and access to affordable local food
- Ecological regeneration and sustainable land use
- Environmental health, wellbeing and nature‑connected living
- Inclusive participation in land‑based and ecological activities
- Cultural and humanities‑based perspectives on food, land and community
- Barriers to environmental engagement and pathways to inclusion
- Ethical enterprise, microbusiness development and local economic resilience
Our research is shaped by community voices and aims to support practical solutions that strengthen both people and the environment.
Our Research Methods
We use a combination of qualitative and practical research approaches, including:
- Community consultation and participatory research
- Interviews, surveys and lived‑experience insights
- Field‑based ecological observation
- Pilot projects and programme evaluation
- Collaborative research with partners and organisations
- Applied humanities research linked to food, land and culture
These methods ensure our findings are grounded, accessible and meaningful for the communities we serve.
Why Our Research Matters
Our research helps us:
- Understand local needs and barriers
- Improve access to nature, food and ecological learning
- Strengthen community resilience and wellbeing
- Support inclusive environmental participation
- Inform programme development and delivery
- Contribute to wider ecological and social research
- Share knowledge with partners, organisations and communities
Research is central to our mission. It ensures our work remains responsive, evidence‑based and aligned with the needs of the people and places we support.
Current Research Areas
Awards for All Feasibility Study
We are currently delivering an Awards for All funded feasibility study to design a fully inclusive and accessible regenerative land model. This research explores how land‑based spaces can be created and managed in ways that include everyone in food growing, ecological learning, habitat restoration and community‑led environmental projects.
The study focuses on:
- Inclusive access to land‑based activities
- Community participation in food growing and ecology
- Practical approaches to regenerative land design
- Removing barriers to environmental engagement
- Designing spaces that support habitat restoration and biodiversity
- Creating land‑based opportunities for people of all abilities and backgrounds
This feasibility study will inform future land‑based development, ensuring that any site we create is shaped by community needs, ecological best practice and a commitment to full accessibility.
Working with Us
We welcome collaboration with organisations, researchers, educators and community groups who share our commitment to ecological regeneration, food security and inclusive environmental participation.
To discuss research partnerships or access our findings, please contact us.