A ‘Tiny Forest’ has been planted in Cator Park, Beckenham, creating an improved urban green space, with The Friends of Cator Park and Alexandra Recreation Ground being thanked for their work.
Around 600 trees and shrubs were planted in the park by a team of volunteers, led by The Friends of Cator Park and Alexandra Recreation Ground, following successfully fundraising £37k to plant the urban Tiny Forest and maintain it in the coming years. The Mayor of Bromley, Councillor Mike Botting, was on hand to show his support to the planting initiative on Saturday and was joined by Councillor Will Rowlands, Executive Councillor for Environment, and others.
A Tiny Forest is a densely planted, fast growing native woodland. It is around the size of a tennis court and over 200 have already been planted across the UK by environmental charity Earthwatch Europe. The Friends of Cator Park and Alexandra Recreation Ground Crowdfunder campaign received match funding from the Save Our Wild Isles Community Fund and Aviva Community Fund, with an additional £5K contribution from Bromley Council. Other fundraising initiatives organised by the Friends of Cator Park and Alexandra Recreation Ground included stalls at local events, an organised bat & ghost hunt during Halloween, and the support from a large number of local residents and businesses.
The Mayor of Bromley, Councillor Mike Botting said, “The planting support and absolute passion to care with this much loved greenspace was great to see and to be part of. If you feel inspired by this, I would encourage you to make yourself known and join the brilliant Friends of Cator Park and Alexandra Recreation Ground.”
Millie Knight from Friends of Cator Park and Alexandra Recreation Ground said, “It’s been so brilliant to plant this forest alongside so many local residents who passionately care about our greenspace. We are looking forward to watching this forest develop and will be nurturing and caring for it along the way. You would be most welcome to join our group and please do go online and make contact with us.”
Grace Gale, Project Manager at Earthwatch Europe, who are responsible for maintaining the Tiny Forest as it establishes, said, “This is such an inspiring story that will support local biodiversity and benefit future generations. This Tiny Forest is part of our Nature in Cities work through which we help to create greener, healthier cities and improve access to nature rich spaces. We will provide the community with the resources, tools and confidence to help monitor how their local Tiny Forest develops. If you are interested in helping, please e-mail tinyforest@earthwatch.org.uk or visit our website for more information Tinyforest.earthwatch.org.uk.
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Editor’s notes - A Tiny Forest is made up of approximately 600 densely planted native trees and shrubs covering a space the size of a tennis court. Located in urban settings, Tiny Forests aim to help mitigate the impacts of climate change, provide havens for wildlife and connect people with nature in their local area. Earthwatch provides people with the resources, tools and confidence to help monitor how their local Tiny Forest develops and quantify the climate benefits. Helping the trees take root and watching them flourish creates a very special connection with the forest and the wildlife that calls it home. Each Tiny Forest can attract over 500 animal and plant species within the first three years.
Tiny forests are based on an established forest management method developed in the 1970s by Japanese botanist Dr Akira Miyawaki. To create new Tiny Forests, Earthwatch identifies suitable sites in locations where nature is most needed, working with partners, local councils, community groups and schools to plan, design, prepare, plant, maintain and monitor their local forest.
For media enquiries, please contact Andrew Rogers, Head of Public Affairs, on 020 8461 7670 or email Andrew.Rogers@bromley.gov.uk.