đź“Ť Hertfordshire, England
Two miniforests have been created in the Hitchin and Ickleford area, an experiment into the "Miyawaki Method" of urban miniforests that are both doing amazingly well. One of them planted with a landowner on a long mission to improve the biodiversity of their land with development on all sides and a chalk stream running through the middle. Another planted with the local council on a recreation ground where birds needed a habitat boost.
Once a miniforest gets going it’s an awe inspiring thing. In two years these trees were so dense it was impossibly to get in there and count exactly how many were alive or dead, but that’s not the point of a miniforest. The point is to create dense diverse habitat quickly, and that’s clearly happened here. Most of the trees were above head height, and there were no gaps. The miniforests are off to a solid start and no replanting is needed.
Over in sunny Hertfordshire, Protect Earth had the enjoyable task of revitalising the local recreational field. Alongside the football pitch and large green spaces for locals to use, we were able to get 1500 new trees into the ground, creating brand new wilderness, creating hunting grounds for the birds, and shaded areas for the little beasties on the forest floor.
Trees were planted as bare rooted 40-60cm whips and were protected with tree tubes and stakes in clusters of the same species, randomly spaced about. Forests aren’t in straight lines, so wherever possible we try to avoid planting in lines. Shrubs were also protected with shrub guards and stakes. We left gaps randomly to provide open areas in the woodland where nature could be allowed to take its own course.
tCO2 after 50 years: 681 Species planted: Hawthorn, Hazel, Dogwood, Blackthorn, Guelder Rose, Spindle, Bird Cherry, Holly, Swedish Whitebeam, Silver Birch
The first year of planting is always the most difficult time and the summer 2022 drought was historically bad. Despite being right next to a river the soil was too dry and these saplings were struggling, so we got out there with the landowners pickup truck and a petrol generator to give this young miniforest a chance.
The sites for the forests are on a thin strip of greenbelt between the village of Ickleford and Hitchin’s industrial area. The landowner has opened the space up to the public and is improving facilities for more access, with changes including allotments, orchards, cycle paths, dog walking routes, and plans for a pet cemetery. We teamed up with Dream For Trees to plant thousands of trees near a chalk stream that runs through the land, with Ecologi providing the funding for the trees, us handling species selection and logistics, Dream for Trees finding local volunteers, and Phil from Protect Earth running the planting day showing over 100 people how to plant all these trees.
Help us create and maintain new woodlands, hedgerows and wildflower meadows! We need volunteers to sow seeds, plant saplings, clear invasive plant species and pick up litter. No qualifications necessary; jobs for all ages and abilities. Come and turn climate anxiety into climate action!
Upcoming Events →With government funding for reforestation and rewilding tenuous, we increasingly rely on our amazing community to keep us growing regardless of political shifts. Help Protect Earth continue to restore ecosystems and improve biodiversity across the country:
Help us put down roots! Your donations to our Land Fund let us seize the moment when the perfect piece of land comes up for sale. Every penny helps us secure community woodlands, healthier ecosystems, and a greener future for generations to come.
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