MICRO FORESTS for change case studies

Plumpton college supplemented existing tree planting with new trees to create a Miyawaki inspired micro forest as part of a range of wildlife habitats. Over 1,000 trees were planted in total with the help of the college's students. The area was mulched with waste product from the college's Equine department and we also used the project to research the impact of different types and levels of rabbit guards. 

The Gatland Park micro forest is part of the DEFRA funded Trees Outside Woodland research project. Four areas were planted and each has a different combination of soil preparation, planting density and mulching. Two the areas were excavated to a depth of 1m and the soil then replaced after aeration. The whole area is 30m x 15m and enclosed within a chestnut paling fence. 400 trees and shrubs were planted in total.

Wellington meadow in Surrey uses 200 carefully selected native species to create a dense wide hedge to provide a new habitat for wildlife and to protect the existing grassland habitat from the bordering A246. The hedge was planted using three alternate rows and biochar and mycorrhizal supplement added. Planting was run as a community activity to increase support from local residents. 

The end of Hadlow Road in Maidstone was the site of an old hedgerow that had been lost to building and fence works. This made it the ideal site to plant a replacement hedge. The 40m hedge is split into two sections with one using the full Miyawaki technique, including hand excavating to a depth of 50cm. Growth and survival rates of the traditional and Miyawaki sections will be compared to inform future best practice. 

Garlinge Recreation Ground near Margate includes 560 trees planted in five different pizza slice shaped plots within a 26m diameter circle enclosed by a paling fence. Each plot uses a different degrees of the Miyawaki technique. Plot 5 (pictured) uses every Miyawaki element - the soil was excavated to 1m, organic material added, mycorrhizal supplement used, native trees densely planted and then fully mulched with woodland mulch. 

To find out more about any of these case studies or to talk about how you can fight back for nature by planting a micro forests just email tim@microforests.co.uk.