Tiny Forests
Designed for Schools & Urban Areas (Public and Private).
Objective: Create a small forest in 20-30 years time (10x faster than usual), improve the climate-resiliency of cities, promote nature connectedness and environmental education.
Our proposition is a Tiny Forest following the Miya-Waki Method, a Close-to-Nature Climate-Resilient Design that provides clean air, cools temperatures down, increases biodiversity in cities, and promotes future-proof cities.
A successful Tiny Forest comprises a simple formula with extraordinary results:
1. A MIX OF LOCAL TREES & SHRUBS: We want to copy what a natural forest would do. For that, it is important to have a diverse mix of native species which are planted close enough to each other and let the healthier and stronger (or smarter) become the ones naturally selected to stay and settle. This will make a all trees become one climate-resilient forest patch for future cities.
2. A GROUP OF CHILDREN & ADULTS: The plants would not land in the soil without the help of a team of individuals from different generations: children, parents, youth and students, elders. They all gather together for the planting day. The goal is not only to plant trees, but to have fun together in the process. A clear workflow and structure helps everyone become involved in a variety of tasks. Time for tea, snacks and meals are also part of the game!
3. AN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMME: Once the school or city has a Tiny Forest in the garden, an educational programme with monthly activities for the class can be included. This way, the Tiny Forest serves as a Green Class where everyone can learn about nature, the local biodiversity, a variety of scientific tools, and a lot more about climate and ecology! A network of Tiny Forests in cities can also become a Nature-Care Lab that collects data and monitors the health impacts that come with enhanced nature connectedness.
4. LOW-INPUT MANAGEMENT: Only during the first 3 years it is important to control that wild herbs and plants don't over-compete the available resources for our trees (light, water & nutrients). When needed, we will water 2-3 times a year at the beginning and mid-summer.
