Tiny Forest: Community joins forces to plant native woodland of 600 trees at St James’ Park in initiative between Earthwatch Europe and developer Countryside
A "Tiny Forest" of 600 trees has been planted on the new St James' Park development in Bishop's Stortford which will give schoolchildren the chance to see the trees growing up alongside them.
About 100 members of the community – including students from The Bishop’s Stortford High School, which is relocating to the 750-home estate off Whittington Way, and Thorley Hill Primary School pupils – mucked in at the launch of the native woodland on Tuesday (March 21).
They were joined by councillors and by members of Grove Cottage, the home of Mencap in Stortford, which runs a gardening group for adults with learning disabilities called Grove Grows.
The woodland, about the size of a tennis court, will comprise 17 native species, providing a nature-rich green space for the benefit of the local community, especially for St James' Park residents to relax and enhance their health and wellbeing.
Tiny Forests is a programme run by Earthwatch Europe, an environmental charity which works with communities and partners to plant and maintain dense, fast-growing native woodlands, to reconnect people with nature, raise awareness of climate change and provide habitat patches to support wildlife.
Situated in the wider open space being created at St James’ Park and planted next to the planned new primary and secondary schools on-site, it is hoped the Tiny Forest will provide an inspiring outdoor classroom for schools and Grove Cottage members.
With the help of the Tiny Forest's 'Tree Keeper Team', made up of volunteers from local schools and the community, Earthwatch will monitor the progress of the forest.
The Tree Keeper Team will act as ambassadors for the forest, helping to maintain and monitor it in the early years, collecting data on its growth, carbon storage and biodiversity.
Bishop's Stortford Town Council leader Cllr John Wyllie, who is also a member of East Herts Council, said: "I think it's a great initiative getting local residents and pupils involved in what will be a valuable asset in the future."
Emily Pennifold, Tiny Forest project manager at Earthwatch, said: “Each Tiny Forest that we plant has a positive impact on its community and we’re looking forward to working with local schools, groups and residents to care for their new Tiny Forest.
"It’s very special to have this forest so close to the schools as the children will be able to see the trees that they planted growing up alongside them.”
Jocelin Warren, operations manager at Grove Cottage, said: "The aim of [our Grove Grows] club is for our members to learn to grow and care for plants and enjoy nature whilst working in partnership with the local community, therefore we were delighted to be invited to be part of this fantastic new project.
"It's so important for the local community to work together to maintain green spaces that will help maintain a better future for all. We look forward to and will take pride in watching the Tiny Forest grow over the years to come.”
Dale Reeve, headteacher of The Bishop’s Stortford High School, whose new campus will border the Tiny Forest, said: "It’s a great opportunity for our students to be involved in the early stages of a project that highlights the importance of nurturing the natural environment in our drive to improve sustainability.
"Their generation will play a key role in reducing the impact of climate change, and what better way for them to see just how they can make a difference. We look forward to watching the forest grow and helping to maintain and monitor it.”
Martin Leach, Countryside's managing director, strategic land, said: "It was wonderful to see so many members of the community taking part in the planting day and commit to being Tree Keepers.
"At Countryside, we always strive to create engaging open spaces that not only contribute to place-making and the health and wellbeing of residents, but also improve biodiversity and habitats that support local wildlife.
"Through this unique science-based project, we hope to bring together local groups alongside our new residents, in purpose-led volunteering, connecting them with nature whilst learning more about climate change and the importance of introducing nature into urban areas.”
Countryside has committed to becoming a net zero business by 2030.
* To sign up to be a Tree Keeper, email tinyforest@earthwatch.org.uk.
