Two new Miyawaki Forests planted in Spelthorne

The initiative strengthens the Council’s commitment to climate resilience, enhancing biodiversity, and supporting community-led environmental action.

The Miyawaki method enables forests to grow up to 10 times faster and become 30 times denser than traditional planting. These compact, fast-growing micro-forests provide valuable habitats for wildlife, increase carbon capture, and improve resilience to climate change impacts such as drought.

In February, the Council hosted a community planting day at Littleton Recreation Ground, attended by 28 volunteers from Talking Tree, Shepperton Village Conservation Group, Suez, Shepperton Studios, Egham Tea Boat, and local residents. Together, they planted 1,010 native tree and shrub whips, representing 25 different species, using the Miyawaki method.

A second planting took place in March at Hengrove Recreation Ground, on land previously used as a gravel pit, an area offering significant potential for ecological restoration. Held in bright spring weather, the event brought together 17 volunteers, including staff from corporate partner Mitie, alongside local residents and Council officers. The group planted a diverse mix of 28 native species carefully selected to thrive in the site’s conditions and support long-term nature recovery.

A Council spokesperson said: “We would like to thank everyone who contributed their time and energy to these fantastic planting days. It is inspiring to see the community come together to create spaces that will thrive for generations. These new forests will provide a vital boost for nature and wildlife, while helping to build a greener, more resilient future for Spelthorne.”