Words by Abi Scaife
French volunteers are on a quest to create ‘pocket forests’ in Paris.
What are pocket forests?
Great question! These pocket forests are based on a Japanese method of tree planting known as the Miyawaki method, after Akira Miyawaki, the botanist who invented it.
Miyawaki was inspired by the small forests around shrines made up of indigenous tree species that seemed to thrive without human intervention.
Not only that but based on his findings he concluded that densely planted indigenous species grown at four different heights in prepared soil not only grow ten times faster than standard managed forests, it also traps more carbon.
So why are they planting these pocket forests in Paris?
Organised by the French non-profit Boomforest, the forests are hoped to help with climate change. They have another bonus effect, though - Paris has been feeling the heat lately and, with only 9% tree coverage, the city sweltered during the heatwave this summer.
It is hoped that planting these trees and creating more shade will create a better environment for the Parisians, and for the planet.
