Two men and a dog walk into a Tiny Forest… Tiny Tour 2026, in collaboration with GoodGym!
17th August 2026
This month, Tiny Forest and GoodGym volunteers Paul Salman, Daniel Mermelstein and their loyal companion and all-round good boi Gus the dog, hit the road on their latest ‘Tiny Tour’ across the UK. Travelling over 200km to four Tiny Forests across England and Wales, they supported participants in discovering the Miyawaki method, and the benefits it has for our urban green spaces.
Across the UK, there are over 300 Tiny Forests. Some – like our first ever Tiny Forest in Tychwood in Witney – are five years old. They’ve grown over 500cm high and have developed their own canopies; they’ve created their very own microclimates and are shining examples of what the Miyawaki method can offer. (You can find out more about the Akira Miyawaki and his method of reforestation here). Others – like our Tiny Forests in Hull and Hackney – are freshly planted and in need of support to grow.
The recent Tiny Tour offered an opportunity for dedicated volunteers Paul and Daniel to visit Tiny Forests at all stages of development. We spoke to Paul on what the Tiny Tour means to him and GoodGym, as well as the benefits of citizen science and getting outdoors!
What is GoodGym, and what does it do?
GoodGym is a community of people who combine getting active with doing something useful in their local area. We run, walk and cycle to support community organisations and environmental projects. For me, one of its strengths is that it brings together physical activity, volunteering and social connection – all things that are good for our health and our communities.
Why is GoodGym interested in Tiny Forests?
Tiny Forests are a really good fit for GoodGym because they need people, not just to plant them but to look after them over the years. They also create opportunities for people to get involved with nature and citizen science. They keep reminding us why trees and the natural environment are so important.
Why did GoodGym decide to take part in this road trip?
The Tiny Tour is a chance to get out and see Tiny Forests in different places and at different stages of development. Part of GoodGym’s role is supporting other charities and community organisations, and Earthwatch and GoodGym have already been working together across the country alongside local communities.
It’s a great way of connecting people and organisations, sharing what we’ve learnt and hopefully encouraging more people to get active around these spaces.
Why is this road trip important to GoodGym?
GoodGym is built around the idea that exercise can have a purpose beyond our own fitness. There’s lots to do around a Tiny Forest that can keep people active and engaged – whether that’s helping to maintain the forest, taking part in citizen science, walking, running or cycling in the surrounding area.
Hopefully the tour will show how nature, community and physical activity can all work together.
What impact do Tiny Forests have on local communities and the environment?
Environmentally, they create small pockets of woodland habitat in places where nature can sometimes be quite limited, supporting biodiversity and helping people experience nature close to where they live.
But I think their community value is just as important. Planting a forest is only the beginning. When local people help plant, monitor and care for it, they develop a connection with that patch of land and with each other. Tiny Forests can become places for volunteering, learning and simply spending time in nature.
I’m particularly hopeful that we see families learning together and appreciating their Tiny Forest and the effect it has locally. If that helps develop a wider interest in nature and the environment, then that’s something really worthwhile.
Thanks so much to GoodGym for their continued support of Earthwatch Europe and Tiny Forests. To find out how you can make a real change by working out for your body and your local community, you can check out GoodGym on their website or across social media.
