MINI boost for Tiny Forest initiative.

18th March 2021

A Tiny Forest is made up of 600 densely packed native trees in a space the size of a tennis court and are capable of attracting over 500 animal and plant species within the first 3 years.

The first MINI-funded Tiny Forest has been planted in East Wichel Park, near MINI Plant Swindon, in partnership with South Swindon Parish Council who manage the park.

David George, Director, MINI UK & Ireland said “MINI are really excited to partner with Earthwatch Europe to plant Tiny Forests in our local communities and across the UK. For over 61 years we have made cars using resources responsibly and to maximum effect. Our shared values of sustainability and bringing people together is what makes this such a great partnership.”

With the help of young people from local schools and the wider community, over the next two years, Earthwatch will collect data from the MINI Tiny Forest on: carbon absorption, flood mitigation, thermal comfort and biodiversity, as well as assess the social and wellbeing benefits of having this new green space in an urban area. 

Louise Hartley, Tiny Forest Programme Manager at Earthwatch Europe, said “Tiny Forests provide rich opportunities for connecting young and old alike with the environment and sustainability. It’s vital that we give people the knowledge and skills to protect our natural world and inspire them to take positive action. We are delighted to be working with MINI UK to bring these inspiring spaces to Swindon and Oxford.”

Councillor Chris Watts, Chair of South Swindon Parish Council, said “We are really pleased to be working with Earthwatch Europe and MINI UK to bring the first Tiny Forest to Swindon. As a Parish Council we wanted to join the Tiny Forest programme as its focus is to work with the local community in developing and monitoring the trees. The Tiny Forest is being planted in the relatively new community of East Wichel. We hope it will become a unique feature for that community that people from across Swindon will visit.”

The next MINI Tiny Forest will be planted in Oxford in 2022, with plans for more across the UK already in the making.

For more information about Tiny Forests visit earthwatch.org.uk/tiny-forests