02 Microforests

Microforests

Mini forests are springing up in urban environments, offering inhabitants a new form of public space.

A rising focus on urban biodiversity sees communities around the world planting native forests in public spaces, uniting people to protect the planet, rewilding cities, and providing places for interaction.

Microforests popped up in LA’s urban parks in October 2021 as part of the Park Forest Initiative by the Los Angeles Parks Foundation. Mature trees, including lush tipa and blue jacaranda, were strategically selected to provide cooling shade in urban neighborhoods including Lemon Grove Park, Mar Vista Recreation Center, Robert Burns Park, and Ross Snyder Recreation Area.

In the United Kingdom, a 240-square-meter “heritage” forest is being planted in London’s Chelsea neighborhood to restore biodiversity and reconnect residents with nature. A range of 630 native trees and shrubs will fill the plot in a collaboration led by rewilding company Sugi, luxury fashion brand Louis Vuitton, and estate management company Cadogan. “The forest will be a green space for local neighbors to find quiet moments of respite and to take in the joys of nature in a vibrant and busy city,” Sugi founder Elise Van Middelem told Time Out.

Also in London, Islington council announced plans to appoint a tree specialist for every housing estate at the end of October 2021. This initiative complements similar green-space projects led by Islington Together, including gardening collectives and park groups.

In January 2021, members of the Nelson Whakatu Microforest Initiative prepared 100 square feet of land for a microforest in New Zealand’s Enner Glynn hills. It is part of a community push to bring flora and fauna into urban areas to combat climate change.

Cities are making room for microforests, allowing urban dwellers to reconnect with nature and wildlife.

Indian company Afforestt creates dense microforests in parking lots and backyards using the Mayawaki Method. This involves planting native species of trees close together, which can make the plants grow 10 times faster than usual.

Why it’s interesting Cities are making room for microforests, allowing urban dwellers to reconnect with nature and wildlife thanks to the seeding of new green public terrain.