Mini Forests

Initiated 2025

Proposed in our 2024 Community Biodiversity Action Plan this is an innovative approach to urban greening and biodiversity restoration

Our Proposal

To plant a series of fast-growing mini urban forests to boost biodiversity, create wildlife habitats and corridors, absorb carbon and freshen the air with oxygen, manage the groundwater, bind the soil, improve rainwater drainage, provide cooling summer shade and soil warming winter leaf mould, provide privacy and screening from the wind & traffic noise, reduce residents' lawn maintenance costs, and add aesthetic and recreational value to Johnstown.

How?

Modeled on the Miyawaki method, Mini Forests are quick-growing, densely planted, small urban forests.

Typically only the size of a tennis court, 200 sqm, they create habitats for wildlife, improve air quality, and promote environmental awareness within urban areas.

Using native plant and shrub species, and accelerating growth, these miniature forests require minimal maintenance and reach maturity in a fraction of the time of traditional forests.

These forests could become self-sustaining, maintenance & cost-FREE in only 3 years.

Ireland example

UK example

Imagine creating a NEW 100-year-old mature forest in just 10 or 20 years!

Irish Examples

Photos of Stepping Stones Forest sites illustrating the growth rate.

Sean Walsh Park 3 yrs 8mths

Old Bawn Community School 3 yrs 6mths

DSPCA 1yr 6mths (pre-potted trees)

Mount Carmel Park (B) 9mths

Mount Carmel Park (A) 9mths

Avonmore Road 5mths

We Have Woodlands

Individual trees offer some environmental and social benefits, but they pale in significance compared to large mature woodlands that provide better opportunities for biodiversity, and we host two areas:

River Boyne

Accessible via rough tracks Johnstown has a 2km long stretch of natural native woodland at the Athlumney Riverside. Part of a protected Site of Special Interest our Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2024 pays special attention to it.

Sections of mature woodland sit alongside newer self-seeded areas and open grassland of the flood plain.

2. Metges Road

A natural min forest self-seeded thirty years ago opposite the Peoples Park. The 10,000 sqm strip runs alongside the IDA and follows the historic boundary hedge of Metges Road. Had the area been planted using the Miyawaki method it could host 30 to 50 thousand trees!

Valued at over €1M the privately owned land has frequently been proposed for development into apartment blocks and a supermarket.

Potential New Areas

Public Lawns

Housing Estates are the Key.

Johnstown hosts approximately 267,000 sqm of public grass lawns, excluding roadside verges. This is the equivalent of 22 soccer pitches or every house gaining a 10m by 10m front garden extension! Our sights are very much set on some of these huge estate grass lawns.

These areas are currently considered a burden to those residents who contribute to the cost of grass-cutting. Mini forests can quickly become both maintenance and cost-free, and contribute to our green neighbourhood image.

Trees can provide a boundary edge, create features that enhance the existing space, frame views, shield us from winds, provide noise barriers, and add privacy. These pockets of woodland are small and dense. Consider them like planting beds for tall trees, but unlike natural mature forests, these will initially not have any footpaths between the trees.

Suggested Trees

A forest has distinct layers, and the following species are well-suited on Clay in County Meath

🌳 Canopy / Large Trees

Pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) – classic Meath oak, tolerant of heavy clay.
Alder (Alnus glutinosa) – thrives in wet soils and is great for wildlife.
Downy birch (Betula pubescens) – does well in damp ground.
Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) – good mix species, tolerates varied soils.
Willows (Salix cinerea, S. caprea, S. aurita, S. viminalis) – thrive in damp clay, also fast-growing.

🌳 Medium Trees / Sub-Canopy

Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) – lightens the mix, berries for birds.
Wild cherry (Prunus avium) – does fine in clay if not too waterlogged.
Hazel (Corylus avellana) – likes heavier soils if drainage is OK.
Holly (Ilex aquifolium) – evergreen layer, shade-tolerant.

🌿Shrubs & Small Trees

Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) – excellent hedgerow species, thrives in clay.
Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) – dense thickets, good for wildlife.
Spindle (Euonymus europaeus) – colourful autumn fruits, clay-tolerant.
Elder (Sambucus nigra) – adaptable, grows well in rich clays.
Guelder rose (Viburnum opulus) – does well in damp spots.
Dog rose (Rosa canina) – a scrambling shrub that adds diversity.

🌾Ground Layer & Herbaceous

Bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) – classic native ground flora.
Wild garlic (Allium ursinum) – thrives in damp, shaded clay soils.
Ferns (Dryopteris spp., Athyrium filix-femina) – moisture-loving.
Ivy (Hedera helix) – evergreen cover.
Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) – excellent for wetter patches.

Mentors

We're not the first group looking to create Mini Forests, and we can join a group to guide us through the process.

The following info is provided by ChatGPT:

🌳 Stepping Stone Forests

A not-for-profit urban mini-forest initiative based in South Dublin, inspired by Prof. Akira Miyawaki’s method of dense, multispecies native planting. Inaugural forest in February 2022 at Old Bawn Community School in Tallaght—consisting of 475 native trees and shrubs, has since planted over 3,600 trees in seven schools and 2,500 more in public spaces like Sean Walsh Park and campuses in Blanchardstown and Tallaght. In collaboration with South Dublin County Council (SDCC) and local community groups, they've planted over 16,000 native mini-woodland trees across 36 locations, with more than 1,500 volunteers participating https://steppingstoneforests.org/

🌳 Pocket Forests

Based in Dublin, Pocket Forests is a social enterprise that collaborates with communities to plant small native woodlands in urban areas. They've established over 75 pocket forests across Ireland, including projects at Trinity College Dublin and the University of Galway. Their approach involves community participation, often utilizing saplings grown in their own nursery at Shelton Abbey Open Prison. These forests can be as compact as a single parking space, making them ideal for schools, businesses, and neighborhoods. dcc.ie+6Irish Examiner+6LinkedIn+6 Pocket Forests

🌱 100 Million Trees Project

This ambitious initiative aims to plant 100 million native Irish trees over the next decade using the Miyawaki method, which involves densely planting a variety of native species to create fast-growing, biodiverse mini-forests. They've already planted over 750,000 trees at more than 100 sites, including locations like Glenstal Abbey and Áras an Uachtaráin. The project welcomes collaborations with landowners, schools, and community groups interested in hosting a mini-forest. filles-de-la-charite.org+3Forestry Services Limited+3100milliontreesproject.ie+3 RTÉ+3Forestry Services Limited+3National Catholic Reporter+3

🌿 Reforest Nation

Reforest Nation is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to restoring native forests across Ireland. They've planted over one million trees and aim to reach 10 million by 2030. Their projects often involve planting up to 27 native species, enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. Reforest Nation also supports grassroots groups and offers opportunities for individuals and businesses to contribute to reforestation efforts.

🌿 Hometree

Hometree is a charity dedicated to restoring Ireland's native woodlands. They focus on afforestation, land regeneration, and community engagement to promote biodiversity and sustainability. fairycouncil.ie+1Ireland+1

🌱 Gaelic Woodland Project

This non-profit organisation aims to expand existing woodlands and create new ones across Ireland. They emphasize the importance of using local seed sources and adhering to ecological best practices, particularly when implementing methods like the Miyawaki technique. Gaelic Woodland Project

🌳 Wolfgang Reforest

Wolfgang Reforest is committed to reforesting Ireland by planting native broadleaf trees. They have successfully established Ireland's first Miyawaki forest, demonstrating the potential of dense, biodiverse planting methods in the Irish context. Wolfgang Reforest+1Wolfgang Reforest+1

🌲 Easy Treesie

Easy Treesie is a climate action initiative aiming to plant a million trees with schoolchildren and their communities across Ireland. They collaborate with various partners to distribute saplings and promote environmental education. Wikipedia

🌼 Tree Council of Ireland

Established in 1985, the Tree Council of Ireland is a non-profit organisation that promotes the planting, establishment, and conservation of trees and woodlands throughout the country. They act as an umbrella group, bringing together bodies with a shared interest in trees. Wikipedia

🌳 South Dublin County Council – Mini Woodlands

South Dublin County Council is actively identifying suitable locations to plant mini woodlands as part of enhancing green infrastructure corridors. These projects are organised in collaboration with local councillors and community members, emphasizing the importance of volunteer support. SDCC

🌱 MINI Ireland & Earthwatch Europe – Tiny Forest Initiative

In partnership with Earthwatch Europe, MINI Ireland launched the country's first "Tiny Forest" at the Tolka River Project in Dublin. This initiative involved planting nearly 600 indigenous trees in a compact urban space, showcasing how small-scale forests can thrive in city environments. MINI Ireland+1Una City+1