In recent years, small but powerful “tiny forests” have begun to appear in towns and cities around the world. These forests are grown using the Miyawaki method, a technique developed by Japanese scientist Akira Miyawaki in the 1970s. The idea is simple but effective: plant many native trees very close together on small areas of land, and they will grow quickly into a healthy forest.
Scotland has started to create its own version, called “wee forests”, and many people, especially schoolchildren, are already enjoying their benefits. But how much difference can these small patches of nature really make?
What is a Tiny Forest?
A tiny forest is usually the size of a tennis court, around 200 square meters. Around 600 trees are planted at the same time in soil that is carefully prepared with nutrients. The method copies the natural layers of a forest: tall canopy trees, smaller trees, and shrubs are all planted together. Because the trees grow close to each other, they compete for sunlight and grow faster. Supporters say this creates a forest in 10 years instead of 100.
The Miyawaki method is popular in Japan and India, and it has now spread to Europe and the US. The UK planted its first tiny forest in 2020 in Witney, Oxfordshire. Since then, hundreds more have appeared. In Scotland, the government agency NatureScot supports the planting of wee forests, often near schools and in communities.
A Visit to a Wee Forest
At Queen Margaret University near Edinburgh, children recently visited a wee forest. They measured how fast water was absorbed into the soil compared to outside areas. The children enjoyed learning about nature while also collecting real scientific data.
This forest was planted only three years ago. It contains many native species such as oak, wild cherry, silver birch, and broom bushes. Already, bees, butterflies, and birds are visiting the area. In time, the trees will grow taller and create a real woodland.
Benefits for People and Nature
Large forests are important for storing carbon, protecting wildlife, and regulating water. However, tiny forests can also bring big benefits:
Urban location: They can be planted close to where people live.
Community involvement: Schools and local groups can help plant and care for them.
Biodiversity: Studies show tiny forests often support more species than expected.
For example, Earthwatch, a UK non-profit, reports that tiny forests have cooler air temperatures and faster water absorption than surrounding areas. In some cases, survival rates of trees are higher than with traditional planting methods.
In Dundee, two wee forests are planted near medical practices and are used for “green prescribing”, where doctors encourage patients to spend time in nature. Research also shows that children who spend time in natural areas have better mental health and well-being.
Challenges and Debates
Not everyone agrees about tiny forests. Some critics say they are expensive or may distract from protecting large, old-growth forests such as the Amazon. Others argue that ecosystems like open woodlands or meadows are equally important.
Still, new studies suggest small patches of forest can play a valuable role. A 2022 study found that several small patches often have more species together than one large patch. In Scotland, wee forests are already home to newts, bees, and even slow worms. They also store carbon: a four-year-old tiny forest can already store half a tonne of CO₂.
The Future of Wee Forests in Scotland
So far, Scotland has planted about 34 wee forests. The goal is to eventually have one near every school in urban areas. But expansion depends on funding, available land, and volunteers.
Even if they cannot replace large forests, wee forests can connect people with nature and create ecological “stepping stones” across cities. At Queen Margaret University, there are already plans to add a second wee forest and a wildflower meadow. As lecturer Patrick Boxall says, “Hopefully we’ll end up with half of the university feeling like a nature reserve.”
Tiny forests may be small, but their impact can be significant. They offer opportunities for children to learn, for communities to enjoy green spaces, and for cities to fight climate change and biodiversity loss. While they are not the complete solution, wee forests are proving that even small areas of land can make a big difference.
Source: bbc.com
Vocabulary for the Article
Dense – very thick and close together.
The forest was dense with tall trees.
Nutrients – substances that help plants or animals grow.
Fruits give us important nutrients.
Canopy – the top layer of a forest formed by tree branches.
Monkeys live high in the canopy.
Biodiversity – the variety of plants and animals in an area.
The rainforest has high biodiversity.
Survival rate – the number of living things that stay alive over time.
The survival rate of the young trees is very high.
Well-being – the state of being happy, healthy, or comfortable.
Exercise helps improve mental well-being.
Carbon storage – when carbon is kept in plants or soil instead of the air.
Trees are important for carbon storage.
Prescribing – when a doctor recommends medicine or treatment.
The doctor is prescribing more rest and exercise.
Critics – people who say negative or opposite opinions.
Critics argued the plan was too expensive.
Stepping stones – small actions that help to reach a bigger goal.
Learning grammar is a stepping stone to fluency.
Expand – to make bigger or wider.
The company wants to expand into Europe.
Ecological – related to nature and the environment.
The new park brings ecological benefits.
Sapling – a very young tree.
They planted 600 saplings in the tiny forest.
Urban – related to a town or city.
Many urban areas need more green spaces.
Resilience – the ability to recover from problems or change.
Trees give cities more resilience to heat waves.
Deprived area – a place where people have little money or resources.
The project helps schools in deprived areas.
Infiltration – the process of water going into the soil.
The soil had fast water infiltration rates.
Community engagement – when local people take part in activities.
The forest project encourages community engagement.
Fragmented habitat – when natural areas are broken into small pieces.
Wildlife suffers in fragmented habitats.
Sequestration – the act of capturing and storing carbon.
Tree planting helps carbon sequestration.
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