Bedford Borough Council, working together with the Sri Sathya Sai Organisation UK, is proud to announce the planting of Bedford Borough's second Miyawaki forest on Saturday, 10 February 2024, in Jubilee Park. This exciting project, supported by over 90 volunteers from the Sri Sathya Sai Organisation, aims to create a tiny forest teeming with biodiversity and rapidly capturing carbon.
Miyawaki forests: A sustainable solution for a greener Bedford Borough
Developed by Dr Akira Miyawaki in the 1970s, Miyawaki forests are dense native woodlands known for their rapid growth and rich biodiversity. Using this technique, native trees are planted close together, creating a competitive environment that encourages them to grow up to ten times faster than traditionally planted forests. This not only helps by capturing and storing carbon but also fosters a vibrant ecosystem with multiple layers of vegetation and diverse species.
Bedford Borough's second tiny forest: Building on success
Last year, Bedford Borough Council successfully planted its first Miyawaki forest along Longholme, achieving a remarkable near 100% survival rate. Some trees have even reached 2 meters in height already, showcasing the effectiveness of this method. This year's project in Jubilee Park aims to replicate and expand on this success, planting 1,600 native trees on a small plot of land.
Collaboration for a greener future
Bedford Borough Council is proud to partner with the Sri Sathya Sai Organisation, whose volunteers have pledged to plant 10 million trees globally. This collaboration demonstrates the power of community engagement in tackling environmental challenges. Over 90 Sri Sathya Sai Organisation volunteers are expected to participate in the planting event, contributing to a greener and healthier Bedford Borough. Funding for the planting was secured through the Coronation Living Heritage Fund. The Fund is supporting community planting projects across the country with £2.5 million to commemorate the Coronation of King Charles III
Tristain Addo, Arboricultural Officer at Bedford Borough Council, said, "We are thrilled to be planting our second Miyawaki forest with the support of the Sri Sathya Sai Organisation. This innovative technique offers a sustainable solution for creating biodiverse havens in Bedford Borough, contributing to improved air quality, carbon capture, and overall environmental well-being."
Jim Weir, Portfolio Holder for Environment, Highways, and Transport at Bedford Borough Council, said, "I’m confident that this tiny forest will become a valuable asset for the community, fostering a sense of connection with nature and promoting ecological balance.”
Pratap Thakkar, UK President, Sri Sathya Sai Organisation UK, said, “We are really grateful to Bedford Borough Council for this opportunity to participate in this great initiative. We hope that the planting of this Tiny Forest will not only benefit the local environment and future generations but also contribute to preserving the world in which we all live. We look forward to working with the Council on future projects and also maintaining this Tiny Forest.”
Learn more about trees in Bedford Borough at www.bedford.gov.uk/trees.
For further information about the Sri Sathya Sai Organisation UK please visit: https://srisathyasai.org.uk/.