Dundee Wee Forest

Description

A project that seeks to create a new green space in Dundee using Miyawaki Forest Principles through partnership funding by NatureScot.

The project aims to provide a nature based solution to address a lack of green space to support the community in Maryfield area of Dundee.

What is a Wee Forest?
A Wee Forest is a small, tennis court-sized, densely planted, native species rich, fast growing, urban woodland in Scotland. They can incorporate an outdoor classroom and provide opportunities for school and community engagement and long-term citizen science. They provide young people with an opportunity to tackle the ecological and climate emergency by planting and looking after their own forest in their own neighbourhood. Wee Forests provide places to play in a natural setting and opportunities to enjoy nature, with benefits for mental and physical health. As well as local schools and communities being involved in design and planting, each Wee Forest has a “Keeper Team” of local volunteers to look after it and measure its benefits.

Wee Forests - Part of the Tiny Forest Global Family
Using a method developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki in the 1960s, Wee Forests in Scotland are part of the global family of ‘Miyawaki Forests’ or ‘Tiny Forests’. Following the method - with its emphasis on community engagement, co-design and careful soil preparation, means that Wee Forests meet a consistent global standard and their benefits can be measured and shared.

Wee Forests in Scotland
Following a Scottish Government commitment to pilot Miyawaki Forests, NatureScot are working with Earthwatch Europe UK experts in the Tiny Forest method, and a range of Scottish Local Delivery Partners (LDPs) to deliver 10 demonstration Wee Forests from Ayrshire to Aberdeen. The Wee Forest Demonstration Project will provide the LDPs with Wee Forest accreditation training to enable them to establish Wee Forests throughout Scotland to a consistent standard.

Period	2021 → …
Held at	NatureScot, United Kingdom