Communities and schools are benefitting from a new network of “Wee Forests” in towns and cities across Scotland, backed by £500,000 Scottish Government funding.

Wee Forests in Scotland are part of the global family of ‘Miyawaki Forests’ or ‘Tiny Forests’.  This approach - 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. 

To create each forest, around 600 native trees are planted by “Wee Foresters” in an area the size of a tennis court. Demonstration Wee Forests are in the process of being planted, together with local Delivery Partners in Glasgow, East Ayrshire, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Dundee and West Lothian. 

Led by NatureScot,  and supported by Earthwatch Europe  the programme aims to give people the opportunity to help tackle the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss by creating, caring for, monitoring and learning from their own wee forest in their own neighbourhood. Volunteer keeper teams will look after the forests over the long term and schools will use the forests for outdoor learning.

More info, including where to email to find out more or get involved here

Scotland’s first Wee Forest at Avenue End Rd in Easterhouse on the outskirts of Glasgow was greenspace scotland’s Project of the Month for September, and explains the partnership working between NatureScot, Earthwatch Europe, the Seven Lochs Project, Glasgow City Council and TCV