Urban Rewilding - Greener Cities
Mini Forests
Mini forests can be created on areas of land as small as 100m2 and smaller!
Mini forests promote different benefits, all their ecosystem services, at the local scale. These are typically structured in four different areas:
Support; attracting biodiversity towards the urban environment and sequestering atmospheric CO2
Regulation; reducing chemical and noise
pollution and providing thermal and water
balance to the area.
Provisioning; generating crops and soil and and
benefiting human health & wellbeing.
Cultural; such as the valuation of real estate, improving well-being and education.
Benefits of Mini Forests
URBAN REWILDING
01
Biodiversity
Mini forests actively preserve, promote and protect native species of plant, insect and wildlife. Mini forests act as havens for biodiversity, fostering a sense of connection to the natural world. The diversity of plants and wildlife within these compact spaces creates a serene atmosphere, promoting relaxation and mental rejuvenation. The act of spending time in these green pockets encourages physical activity, contributing to improved overall health.
03
Aesthetic Value
Mini forests provide a sustainable and low maintenance enhancement of the urban landscape. Unlike lawns or other traditional urban nature solutions mini forests, once matured, are fully self-sustaining.
02
Climate Resilience
Furthermore, mini forests act as carbon sinks, mitigating the effects of urban pollution and providing cleaner air. The presence of trees and plants enhances air quality, which is directly linked to cognitive function and emotional wellbeing. In essence, these miniature green spaces serve as therapeutic landscapes, offering tangible benefits for mental health by creating a harmonious balance between urban living and the inherent human need for nature. Mini forests mitigate drought, heat and pollution in urban areas. Providing up to 60kgC/m2 of carbon sequestration!
04
Education
Local schools, Universities and community entities can benefit from Mini Forests are fantastic as a research resource and provide a wealth of opportunity for learning.
Health & Wellbeing
Mini forests, often referred to as "pocket forests" or "urban green spaces," play a pivotal role in enhancing wellbeing and mental health. These miniature ecosystems bring nature closer to urban dwellers, offering a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. Scientific studies consistently show that exposure to greenery and natural environments reduces stress, anxiety, and depression. As more cities recognise the importance of incorporating mini forests into their urban planning, the positive impact on the mental health and wellbeing of their residents becomes increasingly evident.
Tiny Forests
Akira Miyawaki and the Miyawaki Method:
The inspiration behind urban tiny forests is the Miyawaki method, pioneered by Akira Miyawaki. Drawing inspiration from millennia-old Japanese forests, which have thrived due to the Japanese people's deep connection with nature, Miyawaki sought to create areas of native biodiverse forest that could develop more rapidly than traditional reforestation techniques.
Miyawaki's academic background in phytosociology and his understanding of the inherent potential of vegetation led to the development of a highly successful methodology. This approach stands out for its exceptional survival and growth rates, attributed to nutrient-rich soil, dense and diverse planting, and active community involvement. The method's effectiveness has been demonstrated across various parts of the world, marking it as a sustainable and impactful solution for urban biodiversity restoration.
Tiny Forests: A Global Movement for Urban Biodiversity
The concept of urban tiny forests, small pockets of native biodiversity within urban landscapes, is gaining momentum worldwide. From Japan, India, France, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Chile, and more recently, Portugal through FCULresta. The tiny forest initiative at the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon, has lead the way in Mediterranean adaptation of mini forests. As more individuals and organisations become inspired to plant tiny forests in their communities, questions arise about what to plant, how to plant, and when.
Urban tiny forests, guided by the Miyawaki method, represent a global movement fostering biodiversity in urban environments. As the movement gains traction, the potential for these tiny ecosystems to serve as educational tools becomes evident. By understanding the inspiration behind the Miyawaki method and its successful implementation, communities can contribute to the creation of vibrant, biodiverse urban spaces that benefit both the environment and the people who inhabit it.