We love it when a plan comes together. In spring 2023, we applied to Earthwatch to create York's first Tiny Forest. When they didn’t respond, we weren't to be deterred from our mission. Miki, Gordon, Claire & Alastair hatched a plan. A Miyawaki fast-growing urban forest using species of trees that occur naturally in that area and work together to create a diverse, multi-layered forest community. This creates a resilient and thriving forest ecosystem with species that compliment each other in a small 200 sq meter, tennis court sized site. Tiny Forests engage communities, businesses and schools with climate change and nature-based solutions, providing tangible solutions to some of the biggest problems threatening our planet. That means they bring all the benefits of a forest – climate cooling, lower flood risks, biodiversity, improved air quality, and physical and mental wellbeing – right into the heart of our cities and urban spaces. Gordon designated some land, had the heavy clay earth ploughed to decompact it (& help trees to root) and provided an anti rabbit fence (voracious critters on Kimberlow Hill).

We gathered tons of compost. Some from West Bank Park, we bought a skip load & raided a long forgotten hidden mound (with permission of course). Many muddy clothes, claggy trainers, homemade wheelbarrow & rickshaw loads later we had laid 10cm deep lovely organic nutrients to improve the soil. Additionally Gordon scattered biochar.

We sourced 600 Tiny trees (12 species) via Treemendous, donated by Betterworld. Plus 12 yews from Gordon, a scots pine from Matt & 2 oaks from Daniel. All native species with differing canopy heights. Before planting the 600 bare root trees, we had to plunge a metal bar through the layer of thick clay substrate to ensure drainage and aid tap root penetration - days of hard physical labour. Immediately prior to planting the bare roots were dipped into a mycorrhizal fungi gel - this will create an underground symbiotic fungal network connecting plants and transferring water and nutrients - known as the wood wide web. Good Gym volunteers were helped by Treemendous volunteers to plant all the trees in an incredible 2 hours.

Next steps will be mulching the trees with straw, to protect them and prevent water loss. Also sowing wildflower seeds in the adjoining area, propagating trees from seeds gathered, sourcing a bench. University students / local community groups are encouraged to be involved & study the area as part of their ecological / biodiversity / environmental studies & interests.

This isn't the end of the mission - those little trees will need looking after and in true GG style - there's always opportunity for some hill reps while you're up there!

PS Sorry about the many photos - but a picture does tell a story (& this one's taken nearly a year!)