Imagine stepping out of your flat or office into a mini-forest bursting with native trees, wildlife, and lush greenery—all within the size of a tennis court. With one in three people in England lacking nearby green spaces, these “tiny forests” are tackling that urban nature deficit, one dense patch of trees at a time. Here’s the scoop on how this Japanese foresting method is transforming concrete into canopies across the UK.

What’s the Deal with Miyawaki Forests?

Originating in the ‘70s by Japanese ecologist Akira Miyawaki, this eco-friendly technique involves planting a diverse mix of local trees closely together to encourage rapid growth and establish a self-sustaining mini-ecosystem. Think of it as an express lane for rewilding—Miyawaki forests grow up to 10 times faster than traditional forests, are low-maintenance after the first few years, and come with built-in survival benefits because each plant supports its neighbors.

Why Miyawaki Forests Work Like a Charm 🌱

• Accelerated Growth: Packed in tight, these trees compete for sunlight, which actually supercharges their growth. In a few years, they’re already maturing, creating layers from ground cover to canopy—no centuries required.
• Wildlife Magnet: With their diverse vegetation, these forests are ready-made habitats for all sorts of critters, from insects to birds. It’s biodiversity in turbo mode.
• Carbon Sink Potential: The density and diversity of Miyawaki forests improve carbon storage, making them a win for both local air quality and climate action.
• Sustainability on Speed Dial: Within 2-4 years, these forests require almost no upkeep, creating self-sustaining green spots where nature essentially runs the show.

The Miyawaki Movement in the UK 🌍

Thanks to Earthwatch Europe and community-driven efforts, over 280 Miyawaki forests have popped up across the UK since 2022. They’re showing up on school grounds, in housing estates, and on urban edges, offering communities easy access to nature. The tiny forest in Tychwood, near Oxford, is even home to an outdoor classroom where residents can get hands-on with citizen science projects and learn about conservation.

The Catch (There’s Always a Catch)

Planting these tiny forests isn’t a walk in the park. High initial costs, soil prep, and England’s unpredictable climate mean challenges abound. Plus, Miyawaki plots require a diverse selection of saplings, and all that biodiversity isn’t cheap. Still, the benefits—boosting biodiversity, connecting people with nature, cooling city streets, and offsetting pollution—might just outweigh the expenses.

The Takeaway

Miyawaki forests aren’t just about planting trees; they’re about rebuilding ecosystems, greening cities, and sparking community engagement. With climate pressures on the rise, these mini-forests may be one of the UK’s most promising allies for a sustainable urban future. So next time you hear someone say “nature is calling,” they just might be talking about the Miyawaki forest in your backyard.

Check out the map of tiny forests planted in the UK by Earthwatch Europe on Researchgate.

Sources

Byrne, Jessica. (2024, October 30). Tiny urban forests are having a hugely positive impact. Thred. Retrieved from https://thred.com/culture/tiny-urban-forests-are-having-a-hugely-positive-impact/

Cameron, R. W. F. (2024, October 28). Japan-style ‘tiny forests’ are taking root in British cities. The Conversation. Retrieved from https://theconversation.com/japan-style-tiny-forests-are-taking-root-in-british-cities-239005

Falkner, Paul. (2024, October 08). Japan-style 'tiny forests' are taking root in British cities. BBC. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwy9x0p8lnjo

Hayhow, D., Cárdenas, M., Pudifoot, B., Narraway, C. L., & Harris, J. (2022). Nature-based solutions: Building urban resilience for people and the environment: Tiny Forest as a case study. ResearchGate. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Map-of-the-Tiny-Forest-network-planted-in-the-British-Isles-by-Earthwatch-Europe-and_fig1_368660123

Japan-style tiny forests are taking root in British cities. Yahoo News. (2024, October 31). Retrieved from https://uk.news.yahoo.com/japan-style-tiny-forests-taking-173651795.html

Qi, Hanyu, & Dempsey, Nicola. (2024, October 31). Japan-style ‘tiny forests’ are taking root in British cities. The Conversation. Retrieved from https://theconversation.com/japan-style-tiny-forests-are-taking-root-in-british-cities-239005