The first Tiny Forests come to Central Bedfordshire
Friday, 28 October 2022
We have received confirmation of a successful bid of over £150,000 from the Local Authority Treescapes Fund (LATF), to support the planting of its first Tiny Forests.
Tiny Forests, the size of a tennis court, are dense fast-growing native woodland, planted to improve areas of urban tree population and help connect communities to nature in their area. The planting method encourages accelerated forest development without using chemicals or fertilisers and has low maintenance requirements.
In line with the current planting season, (October 2022 to March 2023), the initial tranche of Tiny Forest projects are:
- Caldecote Church of England Academy, Biggleswade
- Cranfield Church of England Academy Saint Paul's Site, Cranfield
- Mentmore Recreation Ground, Dunstable
- Brooklands Middle School, Leighton Buzzard
- Fairfield Lower Park School, Ruskin Drive, Stotfold
Following initial expressions of interest, two more Tiny Forest projects are also confirmed for the 2023/24 tree planting season. Interested applicants for future projects can find out more information by emailing begreen@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.
Environmental charity Earthwatch Europe, pioneers in the Tiny Forest movement, are supporting the projects, alongside a dedicated tree project officer from Central Bedfordshire Council.
Once planted, volunteers from each project will monitor their Tiny Forest to help it flourish.
Councillor Steven Dixon, Executive Member for Sustainability and Transformation, said:
We’re really looking forward to working with schools, town and parish councils to get their Tiny Forest projects off the ground. By giving people the knowledge, skills and support to plant, they can play a part in enhancing the natural environment in their area. As outlined in our Strategic Plan, tree planting and enhancing biodiversity in communities across Central Bedfordshire is a priority for the council and this project is another example of our commitment to increasing planting.
Louise Hartley, Tiny Forest Programme Manager at Earthwatch Europe, said:
Tiny Forest provides rich opportunities for connecting young and old alike with the environment and sustainability. It’s 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 be working with schools, community groups and town and parish councils to bring these inspiring spaces to Central Bedfordshire.
Photo credit: Lewis Pidoux, UK WildCrafts