More Tiny Forests for Central Bedfordshire
Wednesday, 14 February 2024
Hinksley Road Recreation Ground in Flitwick will see the fifth Tiny Forest planted in Central Bedfordshire, improving access to nature for local communities.
600 trees of differing varieties have been planted by local community groups, schools and members of the public to create the new feature.
Tiny Forests, around the size of a tennis court, are dense, fast-growing native woodland, planted to improve areas of urban tree population. The planting method encourages accelerated forest development without using chemicals or fertilisers and has low maintenance requirements.
Two further Tiny Forests in Central Bedfordshire are planned with other sites being considered. Following a successful bid, we received funding of £160,000 from the Forestry Commission’s Local Authority Treescapes Fund (LATF), to support the planting of Tiny Forests.
Schools, landowners and Town & Parish councils interested in future projects can find out more information by emailing be.green@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.
Environmental charity Earthwatch Europe, pioneers in the Tiny Forest movement, are supporting the projects. Once planted, volunteers (or 'tree keepers') from each project monitor their Tiny Forest to help it flourish.
Councillor Tracey Wye, Executive Member for Sustainability and Climate Resilience, said:
Tree planting and enhancing biodiversity in communities across Central Bedfordshire is important to the council. In this project we have increased the number of trees in an urban area, enhancing its character and the ability of local people to connect with nature.
Grace Gale, Tiny Forest Project Manager at Earthwatch Europe, said:
Tiny Forest provides rich opportunities for connecting young and old alike with the environment and sustainability. It is vital that we give people the knowledge and skills to protect our natural world and inspire them to take positive action. We are delighted to continue to work with schools, community groups and town and parish councils to bring these inspiring spaces to Central Bedfordshire.