Micro-Forests were the brainchild of Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, who wanted to reverse landscape degradation and restore urban biodiversity. These dense plantings are intended to mimic the mature bushland we find around us.
Canopy trees are tall growing species that form a roof of green in a forest. A standard planting features 1 canopy tree per square metre, but in a Micro-Forest we plant approximately 3 canopy trees per square metre. When planted this way the trees compete against each other, grow faster, and form dense patches of vegetation.
Micro-Forests are habitat for fungi, microorganisms, insects, birds and animals. They provide shade, sequester carbon and reduce the urban heat island effect. They’re also beautiful to look at! The added greenery can boost the physical and mental health of humans and provide us with a space to be curious and connect with nature.
Our Community Micro-Forests have been tailored to fit our local conditions and planted with help from across the community.
Parents, children, neighbours and other community members have volunteered their time and worked together to get their Micro-Forests in the ground. Each community group has been encouraged to maintain a connection with their Micro-Forest.
Please respect and look after our Community Micro-Forests as they grow. Council will monitor the growth and condition of these Micro-Forests over time.
Read on to learn more about each individual Community Micro-Forest, or how to grow your own.
250 saplings planted for National Tree Day with children, educators and parents from Antara Childcare & Preschool, July 2024.
The Wyralla Road Reserve Community Micro-Forest mimics the critically endangered Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Forest ecological community. Featuring the iconic Turpentine Tree (Syncarpia Glomulifera), and other species from this ecological community, this Micro-Forest will play a role in the local conservation this forest type.
Over time the Micro-Forest will grow and create a space for kids and adults alike to experience nature-based play and stoke their imaginations.
Prior to planting this reserve contained just one native tree, which means this Micro-Forest will have a big impact!
150 saplings planted for National Tree Day by student Eco-Warrior volunteers from Illawong Primary School, July 2024.
The Austin Street Reserve Community Micro-Forest has been planted with a focus on expanding Glider habitat. There are several Red Bloodwoods (Corymbia Gummifera) growing nearby that have the tell-tale scratch marks from Gliders feeding on their sap.
This Micro-Forest features Red Bloodwoods to provide more feeder trees for our furry gliding friends, while other native trees and shrubs provide habitat for native small birds.
7 of the 20 Eco-Warrior volunteers hadn’t planted a tree before this event, making it a fun opportunity for them to connect and learn about nature.
100 saplings planted with volunteers from the Illawarra Beekeepers Association Inc, August 2024.
This Community Micro-Forest has replaced an unused area of nature strip and has a focus on being a paradise for pollinators.
Due to the powerlines nearby, we couldn’t include a range of canopy tree species like you’d find in a standard Micro-Forest. Species planted here include varieties of banksia and bottlebrush which are loved by pollinators such as native bees, European honeybees, moths and butterflies.
With extra blossom and its close proximity to the Beekeepers Association, this Micro-Forest should mean more honey in the hives.
Step 1. Select and understand your site.
Choose the location for your Micro-Forest. Be mindful of how the Micro-Forest will grow and what it will add to the site, such as shade. Check the site for underground utilities like water and sewage pipes, and above ground utilities like powerlines. You don’t want your Micro-Forest to encroach on these services.
Measure how many square metres your site is so you can calculate the right amount of canopy trees. As a general rule 3 canopy trees per square metre is the way to go, with additional shrubs and ground cover species mixed in-between.
Step 2. Involve your community.
Many hands make light work. Ask your family, friends, neighbours, schools, or other community groups to join in bringing your Micro-Forest to life. Groups and individuals can assist with the preparation, planting, and can look after the Micro-Forest into the future.
Participation grows ownership and encourages environmental stewardship.
Step 3. Prepare your site.
This is the most important step. Clear the site for planting and add organic matter, like compost, to the soil and include mulch on top. The mulch will keep weeds down, retain moisture in the soil and add organic matter as it breaks down. It also creates instant habitat for insects, microorganisms and fungi.
Add borders to define the edges of the Micro-Forest or logs to boost habitat. Be creative with unusual shapes, feature rocks, or a pathway through your Micro-Forest.
Installing seating in or near to your Micro-Forest can be considered.
Step 4. Select and plant your species.
Ensure a mix of locally native canopy trees, shrubs, and ground cover species. Micro-Forests thrive with a high diversity of species!
Use our Native Plant Selector to choose species that will do best in your location. These species are available at Council’s own Community Nursery, where our friendly staff can also provide advice on what to plant.
Include tree guards or fencing if there are animals about that might stop for a nibble.
Step 5. Watch it grow!
Now that your plants are in the ground make sure your new Micro-Forest stays watered, mulched and the weeds kept out while it gets established. Don't trim or prune the trees, their strength is in their density.
Take photos or measurements to document how your Micro-Forest grows over time, or record what new animal and bird species start to visit.