In 2008 and 2009, when the Justice in the Green initiative was very much in its infancy, the research was concentrated specifically on pre-defined study areas within the King’s Park and Wick wards in the east of Hackney. Student groups examined the concept of environmental justice in relations to green open space in the following locations: Hackney Marsh, Wick Field, Lea Bridge and Millfields, Clapton Estate, Kingsmead Estate, and Hackney Wick Estate.

The preliminary stages of the research has established links with local residents and community groups, and provided a platform for dialogue between these groups. In 2008 the group of students produced reports on the access, use and appropriation of green spaces in their study area, while in 2009 the students generated ‘outputs’ for partner organisations within the community, which included brochures and leaflets in support of the groups, a scale model of the Marshes, and a play book, to name but a few.

The research and these reports and outputs were intended to aid the community in their engagement in decision-making processes surrounding the 2012 Olympic Developments, Olympic Legacy plans, and the area masterplans in Hackney.