Tiny Forests to bring more trees to urban spaces in local communities

These dense, fast-growing woodlands, made up of 600 trees each, will be planted on tennis court-sized plots in Devitt Way, Broughton Astley and The Headlands, Market Harborough. 

The sites will provide more green space for communities and encourage local wildlife such as birds, bees and other pollinators. 

Tiny Forests are based on the Miyawaki method, a way of planting which uses species of trees that would occur naturally in an area to create a diverse, multi-layered forest. 

The project is being led by environmental charity Earthwatch Europe and is supported by Harborough District Council and the Forestry Commission.

It has received £60,000 of funding from Leicestershire County Council.  Tiny Forest are part of Earthwatch’s Nature in Cities programme, which aims to create greener, healthier cities by increasing biodiversity and improving access to nature-rich spaces in urban areas.

Cat Hartley, Director of Communities at Harborough District Council, said: “I am looking forward to seeing this project come to life. Tiny Forests have a fantastic range of benefits including enhancing biodiversity, mitigating against climate change and improving health and wellbeing.

“We would like people living in these communities to come together to plant and nurture these new woodlands leaving a positive legacy for generations to come.”

There will be a community planting event at The Headlands Recreation Ground, Market Harborough, LE16 7DJ (what3words:///strumming.dairies.business) on Saturday 22 March, from 10am to 12pm and 1 to 3pm. 

Everyone is welcome to join this free, family tree and shrub planting event. Organisers are encouraging people to arrive at the start of their chosen slot – either 10am or 1pm. Spades will be provided but you can bring your own if you prefer. Gloves are recommended and free snacks will be on offer.

Following the planting day, local residents are encouraged to help look after the forest by volunteering as a ‘Tree Keeper’ – for more information visit https://tinyforest.earthwatch.org.uk/get-involved

Details of other community planting events will be announced soon.

Hannah Davidson, Senior Programme Manager at Earthwatch Europe, said: “Tiny Forest provides rich opportunities for connecting communities with the environment and sustainability. It’s vital that we support people in furthering their knowledge and skills to help protect our natural world and inspire them to take positive action. We are delighted to be working with Harborough District Council to bring these inspiring spaces to Market Harborough.”