Tiny Forests TINY AND MIGHTY What is a Tiny Forest? Tiny Forests are dense and fast-growing native forests representing a complete ecosystem, approximately the size of a tennis court. They use an established planting method developed in the 1970’s by Dr Akira Miyawaki. We believe they can make a real difference in Australia Tiny Forests are 30 times denser than traditional forests. This results in accelerated growth of about 10 times faster than traditional forests. As the forest establishes and attracts insects, birds, reptiles and small mammals, it becomes up to 100 times more biodiverse than monoculture forests. Tiny Forests connect people with nature in their local area and support general wellbeing. They serve as inspiring outdoor learning classrooms and a point of social connection for local communities. Communities, corporate employees, teachers and students will be engaged in planting, maintaining and ongoing scientific monitoring of the forests to quantify the benefits they provide. By actively partaking in the success of the forests, participants’ value and perception of trees and biodiversity improves, creating stewards for their ongoing conservation. “Miyawaki forests are becoming increasingly popular for urban greening to rehabilitate degraded areas and increase biodiversity” Dr Grey Coupland Interested in getting involved? We’re seeking expressions of interest from: Councils and land owners with land suitable for a tiny forest Corporates and Philanthropists wanting to invest in tiny forests Property developers interested in including a tiny forest in their projects Contact Us Don’t fit into any of those boxes? You can still help. Our tiny forests appeal is accepting donations big and small (or tiny!). Donate Here Why do we need Tiny Forests? Human activities are reducing vegetation and canopy cover in cities, resulting in habitat fragmentation, species extinction, biodiversity loss and rising temperatures. Research shows that our cities hold substantially more threatened species than our non-urban areas, and that our broader community doesn’t realise the true value of biodiversity. The decline of green canopy also means Australian city dwellers face a much hotter future. Major heatwaves are Australia’s deadliest natural hazards, particularly for cities, with a lack of trees causing “heat islands”. This means our cities may become unliveable. With 68% of Australia’s population predicted to live in cities by 2050. The pressure this places on our built and natural environment is clear. There is an urgent need to engage community in biodiversity and re-greening projects to improve knowledge of the important role that backyards and neighbourhoods play in creating an urban forest, connecting our homes and public green space, to cool our cities and form an oasis for all wildlife and our own well-being. Outcomes Environmental Improved biodiversity Reduced urban heat island effect Reduced storm water runoff Carbon sequestration Improved soil condition and structure Reduced maintenance (than traditional forests) Social (applies to community members, corporate employees, students and teachers) Increased knowledge of biodiversity, climate change and understanding their role in the urban forest Improved wellbeing, social cohesion and connection to nature Improved value and perception of biodiversity and trees Upskilling opportunities for teachers Outdoor classroom for students (primary, secondary and tertiary) Outdoor classroom for local Environmental Education Centres Links to businesses Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) commitments.