07:00, 21 March 2026
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
On Forest Day, it’s a great opportunity to learn about a sustainable and nature-friendly way of growing food: the edible forest garden.
An edible forest garden — also known as a food forest — is a method of growing fruits, vegetables, and herbs by copying the structure of a natural woodland. Instead of planting crops in rows, this approach uses different layers of plants that grow together and support one another.
These layers typically include:
Each layer has a purpose, helping to create a balanced system where plants, soil, and wildlife all work together. Because of this, forest gardens can become low-maintenance over time and don’t rely heavily on chemicals or intensive care.
If you’d like to learn more about how they work, visit:
https://www.permaculture.co.uk/articles/forest-gardens
Forest gardens are designed to work with nature, not against it. They encourage biodiversity by creating habitats for insects, birds, and other wildlife. This makes the garden healthier and more resilient.
They also provide seasonal food throughout the year. Different plants grow at different times, giving a steady supply of fresh produce and reducing the need for imported food.
Another key benefit is their environmental impact. Growing food locally reduces “food miles,” meaning less transport and lower carbon emissions. You can read more about this here:
https://www.soilassociation.org/take-action/organic-living/what-are-food-miles/
As well as helping the planet, forest gardens can support our wellbeing. Spending time outdoors, growing and harvesting food, can improve both physical and mental health. There’s also a sense of connection that comes from understanding where your food comes from.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
World Agroforestry. An international organisation that promotes agroforestry—integrating trees with farming, to improve food security, protect forests, and support sustainable livelihoods worldwide. Learn more here.
Trees For Cities. A UK-based charity that plants trees and runs programmes helping communities grow food in urban spaces—similar to edible forest gardens that create green, productive environments in cities.. Discover their work here.
The Food Forest Project. A US organisation that builds community food forests, providing free, sustainable access to fresh produce while restoring ecosystems and educating local communities. Find out more here.
This positive news article aligns with the UN SDG Life On Land, Climate Action.
