A botanic garden as a potential social leader in education for sustainable development through computer-mediated communication

When many are experiencing the impact of human disconnect with the natural environment, botanic gardens are well-positioned to contribute to reconnection through sustainability education. Globally, whilst many botanic gardens highlight the impact of human endeavours on the natural world, we question the use of computer-mediated communications (CMC) to enhance knowledge sharing and encourage pro-sustainability actions across communities. Through the lens of social leadership and undertaking a mixed methods study, we explore the potential for one UK-based university botanic garden to lead on education for sustainability with the broader community using CMC. The findings highlight the desire of the staff and volunteers to increase the usage of CMC tools to enhance community engagement and disseminate information. Findings also indicate a need for greater autonomy and an intrapreneurial mindset to amplify knowledge and strengthen action across diverse networks that are not predesigned or imposed by organisational constructs.