UCL Laws helps make London a ‘living space’

A group of LLM students is working with the Living Space Project and the Environmental Law Foundation on Legal Action and Research for Communities and Sustainability (LARCS). The students receive training is giving advice to local community groups on a range of environmental justice issues.

LLM student, Theo Lister said: “Work like this is exactly the reason I study environmental law, but I thought it would take me years after graduation to get to this stage,

“Working with the Living Space Project provides a much needed practical element to studies and helps break down the barriers between students and communities.”

In addition, Jane Holder, Professor of Environmental Law has been awarded a UCL Public Engagement Beacon Bursary to support another Living Space Project initiative, which gives advice to community groups seeking to register urban space as a ‘town or village green’.

Professor Holder explains: “This kind of advice could be costly and community groups often don’t have much in the way of funds,

“Recent changes made in the Growth and Infrastructure Act 2013 mean that the registration process for ‘greens’ is much changed. Community groups and volunteers often don’t have access to up to date training on new legislation so I am working with our masters’ students to set up ‘Green Cafes’ in London to guide people through the process.

“The funding provided by UCL and the experience the students will gain is a prime example of the importance of universities and local communities working together for mutual benefits.”