Two new Tiny Forests planted
Two sites in Bensham and Birtley are benefitting from the Tiny Forests project being rolled out across the North East region.
The Tiny Forests are based on the 'Miyawaki Method', which uses species of trees that would occur naturally in an area and that work together to create a diverse, multi-layered forest community. The trees are densely planted to encourage rapid growth.
The sites will provide local wildlife and the community with a new area of woodland to enjoy. Each Tiny Forest is approximately 200m2, just the size of a tennis court.
The initiative is delivered by Earthwatch Europe on behalf of the North East Community Forest in partnership with the local authorities in Gateshead, Newcastle, South Tyneside and Sunderland, and is also supported by Living Woods
Gateshead Council woodland creation officers have led the way on introducing Tiny Forests to the region.
Councillor John McElroy, cabinet member for the environment and transport at Gateshead Council, said: "These new Tiny Forest sites are important to increase the tree cover in our area.
"The local community and our partners have worked closely together to bring the scheme forward, and we know it will bring us both environmental and social benefits."
At Portobello Primary School, each class of children had the opportunity to come out and contribute to the planting and learn about the benefits of trees.
At Bensham Grove, year 3 at St Aidan's Primary School, who are currently studying climate, came to plant up their local site. Following the children's great work, the event opened for community volunteers during the afternoon who planted the remaining trees, and a community meal was hosted by EarthWatch at the Bensham Court Residents Lounge.
- To help more schools in Gateshead get the benefits of trees, the Council has recently partnered with the Royal Forestry Society to provide support for schools who would like to engage in its exciting tree planting programme by planting in school grounds. Ideas we could support going forward include planting trees for shade, planting a hedge to reduce noise and air pollution, or a forest school area. Designs will be tailored to the requirements of each school. For more information contact: Woodland Creation Officer evemcshannon@gateshead.gov.uk (pictured at the Bensham Tiny Forest planting event)
Two sites in Bensham and Birtley are benefitting from the Tiny Forests project being rolled out across the North East region.
The Tiny Forests are based on the 'Miyawaki Method', which uses species of trees that would occur naturally in an area and that work together to create a diverse, multi-layered forest community. The trees are densely planted to encourage rapid growth.
The sites will provide local wildlife and the community with a new area of woodland to enjoy. Each Tiny Forest is approximately 200m2, just the size of a tennis court.
The initiative is delivered by Earthwatch Europe on behalf of the North East Community Forest in partnership with the local authorities in Gateshead, Newcastle, South Tyneside and Sunderland, and is also supported by Living Woods
Gateshead Council woodland creation officers have led the way on introducing Tiny Forests to the region.
Councillor John McElroy, cabinet member for the environment and transport at Gateshead Council, said: "These new Tiny Forest sites are important to increase the tree cover in our area.
"The local community and our partners have worked closely together to bring the scheme forward, and we know it will bring us both environmental and social benefits."
At Portobello Primary School, each class of children had the opportunity to come out and contribute to the planting and learn about the benefits of trees.
At Bensham Grove, year 3 at St Aidan's Primary School, who are currently studying climate, came to plant up their local site. Following the children's great work, the event opened for community volunteers during the afternoon who planted the remaining trees, and a community meal was hosted by EarthWatch at the Bensham Court Residents Lounge.
- To help more schools in Gateshead get the benefits of trees, the Council has recently partnered with the Royal Forestry Society to provide support for schools who would like to engage in its exciting tree planting programme by planting in school grounds. Ideas we could support going forward include planting trees for shade, planting a hedge to reduce noise and air pollution, or a forest school area. Designs will be tailored to the requirements of each school. For more information contact: Woodland Creation Officer evemcshannon@gateshead.gov.uk (pictured at the Bensham Tiny Forest planting event)
