Miyawaki mini forests

Innovative, tennis court size, Miyawaki forests are being trialled at 5 sites in Norfolk following a tree planting approach developed by Japanese botanist Dr Akira Miyawaki.

One side of each of the new forest sites will be planted following the Miyawaki approach which will see dense planting of lots of different species of native trees, into healthy, aerated soil. This method was developed for tropical places, so the project will help show if this method works here in Norfolk.

The other half of each site will be planted following standard planting practice, which means that fewer trees are planted overall, and no supplements will be added to the soil.

Over the years each of the sites will be carefully monitored to learn whether the innovative planting technique brings greater success than the conventional planting.

Similar Miyawaki forest sites with normal planting next to them are being established in Kent, Cornwall and Chichester.

Which species will be planted?

A wide range of native plant species will be planted, with the aim of creating an ecosystem rich in biodiversity. Species will be selected from four groups in order to create ‘layers’ of differing heights, with a small number of species selected making up around 40% of the total planting.

Where will trees be planted?

Sheringham, Cooper’s Road (400m2 site) - working with North Norfolk District Council to plant on their land
Fakenham, Warren Avenue (200m2 site) - working with North Norfolk District Council to plant on their land
North Walsham, Acorn Road (200m2 site) - working with North Norfolk District Council to plant on their land
Sprowston Recreation Ground (200m2 site) - working with Sprowston Town Council to plant on their land
Hellesdon Recreation Ground - working with Hellesdon Parish Council to plant on their land – (400m2)

This planting is part of the Trees Outside Woodlands project, funded by HM Treasury and is running in partnership with Defra, Natural England and The Tree Council.

Five of Norfolk’s councils are joining forces to make the Miyawaki forests possible, with the project led by Norfolk County Council, working alongside North Norfolk District Council, Broadland District Council, Sprowston Town Council and Hellesdon Parish Council.