Lewisham’s second Tiny Forest of 600 new trees planted in Ladywell Fields

By Claudia Lee

Lewisham’s second tiny forest was planted this week to speed up tree growth and bring nature to urban communities.

Councillors Louise Krupski and Andre Bourne, as well as cabinet member for the environment, James-J Walsh, were joined by pupils from Prendergast Ladywell School to help plant the Tiny Forest.

The planting took place with environmental charity Earthwatch Europe, which has started a new partnership in Lewisham with STEM Learning, and Prendergast Ladywell School.

Ben Williams, Tiny Forest programme manager at Earthwatch, said: “We’re so pleased to see so many members of the local community come out to help create this fantastic forest.

“Each Tiny Forest that we plant has a positive impact on its community and we’re looking forward to working with the local community in Lewisham to care for their new Tiny Forest.”

The children and community members planted 600 trees including Elm, Oak, Silver Birch, Hawthorn and Dog Rose.

It is hoped that more than 500 animal and plant species will be attracted to the area within the first three years

There are more than 150 Tiny Forests throughout the UK – 10 of them now in the capital.

The Tiny Forests also provide a range of benefits in the fight against climate change as this planting method encourages accelerated forest development and uses no chemicals or fertilisers.

For more information visit earthwatch.org.uk

Pictured top: Cllr Bourne digging with children (Picture: Lewisham council)