ClimateYouChange’s proposal leads to a new 6,000 tree pocket forest

In July 2021 ClimateYouChange was approached by Nicola Mackie from Newham Council in her previous role as the East Ham Neighbourhood Community Ward Manager.

Nicola asked for advice on what would be best to plant in East Ham’s Gooseley Playing Fields where it borders the A13. We gave the only sensible answer...Miyawaki!

We couldn’t in good conscience recommend that food be grown close to a busy motorway but could suggest a way of achieving incredible levels of carbon drawdown whilst also combatting pollution for nearby residents.

Miyawaki is a dense tree planting technique. It mimics naturally occurring forests where trees grow closely and shade out weeds. Trees can be planted up to ten times more densely than conventional planting and can grow up to ten times faster than monocultures. Crucially, Miyawaki can sequester up to 30 times more CO2 than conventional tree planting! 

Diverse species help to improve soil structure, whilst the density of the planting provides good water retention. Fallen leaf litter breaks down and feeds the trees, resulting in a *closed loop system. Native habitats are restored using diverse native species.

We first found out about the technique in January of 2021 during a phone call and subsequent emails with Carol Edwards, Community Ranger for Eastbrookend and Barking Parks. Carol had told us about the 32,000 trees that they were planting at Parsloes Park which was expected to sequester a staggering amount of co2. (Unfortunately, the predicted amounts are no longer to be found on Barking Council’s website.)

We told Nicola Mackie about potential planting partner and Miyawaki experts ‘Sugi’, and connected her with Carol Edwards, Community Ranger for Eastbrookend and Barking Parks. The rest is history! 

Further to Nicola Mackie’s promotion to Parks Operation Manager, 6,000 trees are now being planted in the Gooseley playing fields! So for anyone who thinks that they cannot make a difference in the fight against climate change and cannot impact local authority decision-making...it can be done. It just needs diligent research of the solutions which work for your area and respectful conversation with the people in a position to implement suitable suggestions! 

*a closed loop system is one where nature provides the ingredients required for plants to thrive without the need for external inputs