Welcome

Dr. Mikey Tomkins is an urban agriculture expert whose works within academic research, across community engagement, and as a creative consultant to foster sustainable city living. With a Ph.D. from the University of Brighton focused on the contributions of community food gardening to urban agriculture, Dr. Tomkins has developed impactful projects that explore how cities can integrate food systems into urban planning​.

An important part of his work is the concept of “edible mapping,” which visualizes urban food production within cityscapes. initiated in 2008, is an innovative urban initiative designed to visualize how city spaces can be reimagined for food production. This project incorporates artistic map-making, community-led walks, and interactive performances to engage residents in rethinking urban land use. Dr. Tomkins has implemented these projects in various locations, including Hackney,Croydon, Peterborough, Newcastle Dallas, Bishop Aukland, Brighton, Leeds, and Hull.

The project aims to repurpose typical urban areas like rooftops, parking lots, and green spaces for local food cultivation. Each map is both a visual guide and an experiential tool that invites participants to explore their city’s potential for sustainable agriculture through guided walks and discussions. This project not only highlights the practical benefits of urban farming but also fosters a sense of community and shared vision for sustainable city planning.

He has also worked on international projects, including initiatives in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, where he co-founded efforts to establish agriculture in refugee camps and amongst displace persons, promoting food security and community resilience​. He is currently director of Cultivating Refuge, which supports an agriculture and hydroponic training centre in Erbil, Kurdistan region of Iraq.

He has published extensively, including co-authoring the seminal Urban Food Mapping: Making Visible the Edible City with Katrin Bohn, which discusses the integration of sustainable food practices in urban environments. The publication has been recognized for its contribution to rethinking urban spaces through a lens of food access and environmental planning, making it an invaluable addition to discussions on sustainable urban futures His work continues to inspire conversations about sustainable development and the co-production of urban spaces​.