Here’s a nature and science-based way to introduce fast-growing native forests in urban spaces, to restore biodiversity, cool cities, and inspire hands-on environmental action.
The Miyawaki Pocket Forest Outreach Program, run through the Harry Butler Institute at Murdoch University, is also reshaping how children learn about nature, climate and biodiversity, and demonstrating how they can make a real and lasting impact on their local environment.
Schools across Perth are transforming their schoolyards into refuges for local biodiversity; creating thriving ecosystems and learning hands-on conservation skills along the way.
Restorative ecologist Grey Coupland has delivered the Miyawaki project to 17 schools across Perth: “Through this work, I engage children and community members in planting and monitoring their own forests, building a deeper connection with nature while contributing to climate resilience and ecological restoration,” she told Wood Central.
The program is one of 150 UNESCO ‘Green Citizens’ projects globally and has been recognised by the Australian Museum Eureka Prizes for its innovative approach to science engagement and community-led restoration, says Ms Coupland
The Miyawaki method is a science-based approach to restoration, developed by Japanese botanist Professor Akira Miyawaki. It creates fast-growing, dense native forest.
Unlike traditional restoration, which usually involves widely spaced planting, the Miyawaki method involves planting locally native climax species at high density (3 – 5 plants per square metre).
Intensive soil remediation is conducted prior to planting to bring life and nutrients back into the soil to create optimal conditions for plant growth. This is particularly important in urban areas where soil is often low in nutrients and life.
A key part of the program is engaging students to create and maintain the forest, while extending their knowledge in the classroom across a range of topics including ecological restoration, climate change and soil chemistry.
“The brilliant thing about these forests is that even a small, unused corner of school grounds can be transformed into a dense, thriving native forest that benefits the whole school community”, according to Ms Coupland.
With teachers and students involved year after year, the forest becomes woven into the fabric of the school.
She says: “we are not only helping to increase urban biodiversity and make our cities more liveable but are also hopefully creating the next generation of scientist and eco-warriors”.
The Plico Community supported the Miyawaki “Pocket Forests” program through the Plico Future Fund.
A grant of $20,000 was awarded to Murdoch University to support the rollout of the program and to support continued education and maintenance in participating schools.
The Plico Future Fund is managed by the Plico Community Council (PCC), a not-for-profit representing all Plico members. The Fund is supported by Plico membership payments and contributions by Plico.
Jamie Ball, Chair of the PCC says that the community funding model ensures that support can be directed to where it’s most needed and most beneficial to the community. He says the Miyawaki project delivers tangible, science-based environmental outcomes while engaging students in hands-on learning.
The Miyawaki method transforms small spaces into thriving ecosystems, which aligns perfectly with our vision of creating resilient communities and inspiring the next generation to care for the environment.
A new grants round from Plico Energy offers a tangible example of how Virtual Power Plant (VPP) models can deliver broader community impact with more than $100,000 already reinvested into grassroots sustainability and resilience projects across Australia.
Applications have just opened for the latest round of the Plico Future Fund, which channels value generated through Plico’s community energy network back into local initiatives spanning environmental education, conservation and community infrastructure.
This is an opportunity to explore a growing trend in the energy sector: community energy models that extend value beyond bill savings to measurable social and environmental outcomes.
