'Tiny Forest' to be planted in Loughborough park

Published: Mon 24th February, 2025

A 'Tiny Forest' is to be planted in a Loughborough park.

The dense, fast-growing woodland made up of 600 native trees planted in an area the size of a tennis court has been earmarked for a corner of Jubilee Park in the Thorpe Acre area of Loughborough.

The Miyawaki tree planting method will be used, where a community of native trees that include the different layers found in a mature forest are planted close together without the use of chemicals or fertilisers.

This allows the Tiny Forest to develop rapidly and form a multi-layered forest ecosystem for everyone to enjoy.

Councillor Anne Gray, Charnwood Borough Council’s lead member for waste, open spaces and leisure facilities, said: "We're delighted to bring a Tiny Forest to Jubilee Park, which will provide a fantastic space for the community to connect with nature, learn about the environment, and enjoy the benefits of green spaces.

"This project not only helps tackle the effects of climate change but also creates a haven for wildlife and a valuable resource for local residents.

"We're excited to see the community come together to plant and nurture this new woodland, leaving a positive legacy for generations to come."

There will be a community planting event on Wednesday, 5 March, starting at 10am, where residents can come and help plant the 600 trees, organised by environmental charity Earthwatch, who will be testing soil and researching the best native tree species to use.

Local residents can also get involved by volunteering as a 'tree keeper' and helping to nurture the forest. For more details, email: jeremy.trill@charnwood.gov.uk

A Tiny Forest was planted at Holt Drive in Loughborough in 2021.

They provide a range of benefits, like connecting people with nature, raising awareness of the environment, and helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Trees retain water, increase local water storage, cool the local environment, and take up carbon dioxide.

Tiny Forests support rich wildlife and can attract more than 500 animal and plant species within the first three years.

This project is funded through the Local Authority Treescapes Fund, distributed to local authorities via the Forestry Commission. 

Earthwatch is aiming to establish 500 Tiny Forests in the UK and across Europe by 2030.