Just a few feet from The Westway, one of London’s busiest roads, work has begun to create the capital’s largest inner city forest.
The micro forest is being planted in accordance with the Miyawaki method, a technique that involves densely planting native trees and shrubs in areas that were previously used for other purposes. The method is named after Japanese botanist Dr. Akira Miyawaki.
The 426 trees will ultimately reduce air and noise pollution in the area, while providing a boost to local biodiversity.
Trees in Miyawaki forests can grow up to 10 times faster than trees in conventional forests and because they grow more quickly they absorb more carbon. They are also more beneficial for biodiversity than neighbouring woodlands.
Situated in the Westbourne Green Open Space, the micro forest will feature seven native species and evergreens including blackthorn, field maple, and crab apple, all chosen for their qualities in absorbing air pollution particulates, reducing noise and providing shelter, pollen, nectar, and fruit for local wildlife.
Westminster City Council have plans to plant a total of 5,246 new trees across the borough, bringing the total tree population to over 24,000. Included in these plans is the creation of six more micro forests.
The project is the result of a partnership between Westminster City Council, Ruth Willmott Associates and Creating Tomorrow’s Forests. Helping out are a number of local schools who have sowed a wildflower meadow.
The Rewild London Fund will provide materials to build animal boxes providing local children with the opportunity to learn about wildlife and get involved in conservation first hand.
Jack Gordon, a local resident to Westbourne Green said: Community based projects are the lifeblood of any close community and this is such an important way to help green the local area.
‘More needs to be done to understand how important trees are and how they help mitigate the excesses of climate change, and how this can benefit us in so many different ways.’
Elisabeth Boivin, Managing Director at Creating Tomorrow’s Forests added: ‘We are delighted to be involved in this innovative project that will bring such direct benefits to residents around Westbourne Green Open Space, funded by our partnerships with businesses such as Willmott Dixon and Ecologi.
‘It will be fantastic to show how planting trees has such a positive impact on the local environment, and it is great to have this opportunity to educate people on the advantages of increasing biodiversity in our urban green spaces. We cannot wait to see how the micro forests grow and develop over time.’