Research Biodiversity Tiny Forests Get Involved Read: Australian Financial Review Feature Introducing Tiny Forests Tiny Forests bring the benefits of a forest in the heart of our cities. These small patches of habitat are an oasis for urban biodiversity, a powerhouse for urban cooling, restorative for soil health resourceful carbon sinks, and a wellbeing hub for community to connect with nature. Using an effective planting method involving soil enrichment and a dense planting structure, Tiny Forests grow up to 10 times faster than traditional forests and become up to 100 times more biodiverse than monoculture forests. We believe they can make a real difference in Australia Earthwatch is championing Tiny Forests in Australia, and engaging the local community to help plant, maintain and conduct important research, to better understand the benefits these tiny and mighty forests provide. Step 1: Planting We plant dense, fast-growing native bushlands, based on an established forest management method. Step 2: Engaging We engage business and community to cultivate and monitor each forest over time. This connects people with nature and raises awareness of biodiversity loss and climate change. Step 3: Collecting We collect environmental and social data relating to every forest we plant, to assess the benefits they provide over time and between forests. Benefits How to get involved We have various partnership and funding options to help you establish and be involved with a Tiny Forest. Business and philanthropy Tiny Forests: The next green step for business Tiny Forests are your corporate leadership billboard in action against climate change and biodiversity loss. Businesses can address their CSR and ESG requirements and empower employees to connect with nature by becoming a Tiny Forest partner. Earthwatch is uniquely positioned to support businesses with their responses to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For decades, we’ve worked with well-known companies around the world from a diverse array of sectors to foster environmental leadership and build a more sustainable future. Join the movement and donate to invest in the Tiny Forest program. 6 Tiny Forests will engage and empower 1000 people to protect nature. We have various partnership and funding options to help you establish a Tiny Forest - Get in touch to find out how you can get involved, or see our FAQ to learn more. Councils, schools, property developers (and other land owners) Earthwatch is currently building a pipeline of available Tiny Forest sites; and councils, schools and property developers are in the unique position of having that intersection between land and community engagement. Tiny Forests serve as inspiring outdoor learning classrooms for communities, who will be engaged in the planting, maintaining and ongoing scientific monitoring of the forests, to quantify the benefits they provide. By actively partaking in the success of the forest, communities appreciate the true value of trees and biodiversity, creating stewards for their ongoing conservation. To understand more about how the program works, and the site requirements, please read our handbookTiny Forest Handbook Volunteers Help care for a Tiny Forest in your local area. Opportunities range from surveying and collecting data, to maintaining the forest. At this stage, volunteer opportunities are limited, but will grow as our network of Tiny Forests grow Don’t fit into any of those boxes? You can still help. Donate big, or small (or tiny!) to help us grow our network of Tiny Forests across Australia. Donate Here Super Tiny. Super Powerful Discover how a Tiny Forest is more than just trees Outcomes Why Tiny Forests? Sustained urban land clearing in Australia has resulted in habitat fragmentation, species extinction, biodiversity loss and rising temperatures. Nevertheless, research shows that our cities hold substantially more threatened species (per unit area) than rural areas. 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”. With 68% of Australia’s population predicted to live in cities by 2050, our cities may soon become unliveable. There is an urgent need to increase nature-based solutions for urban resilience, including engaging and educating the community in understanding the true value of biodiversity, and how individuals can play an important role in contributing to the urban forest. The Research Tiny Forests will be established following a particular planting method, called the Miyawaki method, including adaptions of the method to suit the Australian context and local site conditions. The Miyawaki method was first developed in the 1970s by Dr Akira Miyawaki, and it is a particularly valuable method for urban greening. Small patches of land, about the size of a tennis court, are first prepared through soil testing and enrichment by using additives such as compost, coconut coir and chopped straw. A vegetation assessment ensures only indigenous species are selected, with the aim for as high diversity as possible. Planting occurs at much higher density than traditional forests, at about 3-5 plants per m2. The combination of soil enrichment and a dense planting structure results in accelerated growth, about 10 times faster than traditional forests. As the forest establishes and thickens, biodiversity levels rapidly increase, and the maintenance requirements decrease. Through structured and facilitated citizen science days, data will be collected in the following areas to help understand the benefits of the planting methodology: Biodiversity (pollinators and ground dwellers), Soil moisture, and soil texture Growth rate and carbon content Thermal comfort Feedback and wellbeing survey Sustainable Development Goals