Why Cities Are Planting Tiny Forests
Dense native woodlands the size of a tennis court are popping up in parks and schoolyards. Here's what they offer urban neighbourhoods.
A tiny forest packs hundreds of native saplings into a space roughly the size of a tennis court. Planted closely, they compete for light and grow quickly, creating a miniature woodland in just a few years.
The benefits
- Habitat for insects, birds and small mammals.
- Cooler streets on hot days.
- Outdoor classrooms for nearby schools.
- A sense of ownership — local volunteers usually do the planting.
Not a silver bullet
Ecologists point out that tiny forests complement, rather than replace, the protection of older woodland. Mature trees store far more carbon and support far more life.
Still, for children growing up surrounded by concrete, a patch of wild green they helped plant can be the start of a lifelong connection with nature.
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