Tiny forests: the perfect green solution for small urban areas
Did you know that native pocket forests grown using the Miyawaki method can be planted in spaces as small as 3m² and can help reduce heat in urban spaces? Discover more about the environmental benefits of tiny forests through our recent chat with Australian forest maker, Nina Middleton.
Miyawaki forests, also known as tiny forests or pocket forests, are, as the name suggests, tiny but mighty. Within a small space, these forests are capable of incredible environmental benefits that help mitigate the effects of climate change. Named after Dr. Akira Miyawaki, the Japanese botanist who pioneered this planting methodology, tiny forests are designed as the perfect green solution for small urban areas.
These forests are dense, biodiverse and compact, thriving in spaces typically smaller than a tennis court. They play a crucial role in improving local health, reducing urban temperatures, and mitigating the impacts of climate change. Moreover, they foster community involvement, with the plantings we support being volunteer-led and community-focused.
Recently, we had the opportunity to speak with four Australian forest-makers about their experiences planting tiny forests. This collaborative educational session is available for viewing here.
Stephanie Poly, Head of Urban Forest Initiatives at Carbon Positive Australia, sat down with Nina Middleton, Program Coordinator at Earthwatch Institute Australia, to delve deeper into the topic. Here are some highlights from both of their takes on Miyawaki forests.
How is a tiny forest different from bush regeneration?
While bush regeneration typically occurs in remote rural areas, tiny forests are tailored for compact urban landscapes, emphasising community involvement. Spanning roughly 200m², each tiny forest is densely planted with native species, offering an open classroom for local schools and community groups to use for educational purposes. Every tiny forest involves local communities to plant, monitor and maintain the forest over time, with our support.
Do tiny forests have to be 100% native?
Yes, according to Dr. Miyawaki’s methodology, every tiny forest funded by Carbon Positive Australia and planted by Earthwatch features 100% native species, carefully selected to match pre-colonial biodiversity. However, it’s important to note that the methodology has evolved over time to be more context-specific, with nuanced variations in its application. For instance, some forest creators have adapted the methodology to prioritise planting drought-tolerant native species, rather than strictly adhering to the exact floral composition present before land clearing.
What approaches are known to have succeeded in capturing the community in establishing tiny forests?
Community involvement is a crucial component of the tiny forest methodology in order to plant, monitor and maintain these pocket forests. We collaborate closely with local schools, volunteer groups, and councils to ensure broad community engagement throughout all stages of forest establishment.
What can local governments do to support these amazing community projects?
Tiny forests are a fantastic initiative with diverse environmental and social outputs that align with various biodiversity and environmental council strategies, such as those aimed at increasing species habitat and enhancing urban canopy to mitigate heat island effects. Local governments can support these projects by collaborating with the community to identify suitable planting areas and offering support at planting events and other community engagement efforts.
How can tiny forest principles be applied to an urban garden with native plants?
Applying tiny forest principles to an urban garden involves several considerations. First, identify a suitable planting area, considering its size and any nearby infrastructure that may be impacted now or in the future. You will also need to consider soil type and health, as it is essential for thriving ecosystems.
For planting, consider high-density (approximately 3-5 plants per square meter) and a diverse selection of native species. This variety will create different “forest layers,” providing habitat for wildlife and attracting a range of pollinators, insects, and birds.
Here are some highlights from our favourite moments planting Miyawaki forests with the community:
A special thanks to Nina Middleton for sharing her insights into the magical world of tiny forests.
We’d also like to acknowledge our partners: the Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, the Groundswell Collective, Brettacorp Inc., and Edwina Robinson. Together, we’ll have successfully established 18 Miyawaki forests across Australia by the end of July 2024, 13 of which are in WA.
