'Tiny Forest' bringing 'huge benefits'

The 600 densely-packed trees were planted last year at New River Sports Ground, reports Raphael Henry

A new tennis court-sized ‘Tiny Forest’ in Haringey is bringing “huge benefits to the area”, according to Haringey Council’s environment chief.

Located at New River Sports Ground, the fledgling urban forest is made up of 600 densely packed trees that were planted in March 2024.

The 204sqm forest is now open to the public and is intended to benefit the local community both as a green space to be enjoyed and as a habitat for pollinators.

It is the result of a collaboration between the environmental charity Earthwatch Europe, highway maintenance contractor Tarmac Kier Joint Venture (TKJV), Transport for London (TfL) and the council.

Mike Hakata, cabinet member for climate action, environment and transport, said: “These pockets of nature will bring huge benefits to the area and it will play a pivotal role in creating a greener and healthier future for generations to come.”

Earthwatch Europe has planted 250 Tiny Forest areas across the UK since 2020. According to research by Earthwatch, each Tiny Forest can absorb up to 30 times more carbon, grow five times faster, and greatly improve biodiversity when compared to traditional planting schemes.

Georgina Sturgeon, a project manager for the charity, said the scheme has demonstrated that “green spaces don’t have to be vast to make a big difference”.

“Helping the trees take root and monitoring them as they flourish creates a very special connection with the forest and the wildlife that call it home,” she added.

On Thursday, 17th July, the forest hosted a “discovery day” for local schools and the community, where visitors could learn more about the project and count insects including bees and butterflies.

The project is intended to provide a diverse habitat for the borough’s pollinator populations, which have been making a steady recovery after a challenging year in 2024.

John Coombes, contract director at TKJV, said: “Our teams have enjoyed working in collaboration with our partners to bring this fantastic project to life, which will no doubt have a positive impact on the community for years to come.”

TKJV contributed £4,000 towards the initiative and has been sending volunteer employees to help maintain the forest, John said.

To find out more, including how to get involved:
Visit tinyforest.earthwatch.org.uk/tiny-forest-sites/468-new-river-sports-ground

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