Our Tiny Forest planting day

With more than 150 people coming together to plant trees and spend time with their neighbours, Buckhurst Field’s Tiny Forest planting day was supported by a wide range of people from the local community. From local residents to South Swindon Parish Councillors and MP for South Swindon Robert Buckland as well as a local Swindon Scouts group and members of the Nepalese Association of Wiltshire. It was wonderful to see a diverse mix of people braving the cold and wind to plant 600 trees throughout the day.

One local resident Dr Mohammed Khalid told us "There is such a wonderful satisfaction about planting trees. To know I can come back in 10 years and feel the achievement of seeing the forest grow." 

Living locally to Buckhurst Park Dr Khalid spends lots of time here with his family and said, "I come here regularly to enjoy the green space, it gives me a really strong connection with the earth, and to see nature and my children growing in the same space brings real joy." 

Catering was kindly provided by the Nepalese Association of Wiltshire, who laid on cakes, biscuits and hot drinks for people to enjoy after getting stuck into their tree planting. Click here to find out more about the amazing role this group plays in the local community.

Tiny Forests grow quickly and in around six months should look a little like this. For now the saplings are quite delicate though, so if you live locally, please give them space to settle in undisturbed. Longer term, Earthwatch Europe are looking for volunteer Tree Keepers to help look after the forest and support their important research into the impacts that projects like this have on the environment. If you’d like to be involved in looking after Buckhurst Field’s Tiny Forest, you can email tinyforest@earthwatch.org.uk for more information.

Click here to watch the full video from the day and hear from local people about why they're excited to have a Tiny Forest in their community.