This tool supports groups in collectively understanding a shared site (such as a garden or public space) as a living system shaped by ecological and social relations. It helps facilitators guide participants through mapping, decision-making, and shared responsibility in the development of community-based actions.
The tool is used at the beginning and early development stages of a Collective Action Project, especially during site exploration, community mapping, and the formation of shared priorities. It can also be revisited throughout the project to support ongoing care and adaptation.
Instructions for use
1. Organise a collective visit to the site and introduce it as a “living system” rather than a fixed space or problem.
2. Guide participants to observe and document the site through walking, drawing, notes, or photography.
3. Identify and map key elements: ecological features, human use, neglected areas, and existing informal activities.
4. Map community connections by identifying who uses the space, how it is used, and what relationships exist around it.
5. Facilitate group discussion to define shared priorities based on observations and mapping.
6. Translate priorities into possible small-scale actions and assign shared responsibilities within the group.
Notes for facilitators
This tool is designed to support slow, careful decision-making rather than immediate problem-solving. Facilitators should prioritise observation before action and allow time for collective interpretation of the site. The emphasis is on shared responsibility, non-hierarchical decision-making, and understanding the site as a living system shaped by both ecological and social relations. The tool should remain flexible and adapted to each specific context rather than used as a fixed checklist.
