Miyawaki Research Network
Earthwatch Europe is a member of the Miyawaki Research Network (MiRN), an international group of researchers exploring the development and usage of tree planting using the Miyawaki method and its variations.
What is the Miyawaki Method?
The Miyawaki method is an effective tree planting method for rapidly creating forest cover on land that has previously been used for other purposes.
The essential principle of the Miyawaki method is using species of trees that would occur naturally in that area and that work together to create a diverse, multi-layered forest community. This creates a resilient and thriving forest ecosystem with species that complement each other
The Miyawaki method has a number of significant benefits over more traditional forestry methods when used in smaller afforestation projects. The trees planted by this method grow much faster, jump starting the forest creation process and capturing more carbon. Higher biodiversity has been recorded in Miyawaki forests than in neighbouring woodland, so it’s an ideal method for creating diverse forest ecosystems quickly.
You can read more about the Miyawaki method in this blog post by Dr Simone Webber, a member of the Miyawaki Research Network.
What is the Miyawaki Research Network?
The Miyawaki Research Network (MiRN) is a group of Miyawaki researchers, practitioners and interested decision-makers. The MiRN operates to further collaboration around Miyawaki research interests.
The aims of the MiRN are to:
- Demonstrate leadership in Miyawaki research by connecting practitioners and researchers involved in applying/assessing the efficacy of Miyawaki woodlands. The MiRN will be at the forefront of knowledge creation in this area and will be galvanised by common goals.
- Support knowledge creation and provide sustainability beyond the initial years. The MiRN will stimulate research collaborations and seek funding for projects across disciplines and projects.
- Maximise impact by working collaboratively to ensure compatibility and consistency between monitoring and research approaches to facilitate comparative analysis.
- Provide innovation and collaboration between partners to develop best practice approaches based on a sound evidence base with good understanding of the trade-offs.
- Be a go-to source for stakeholders looking for expertise on Miyawaki approaches. Efforts will be made to ensure that socially disadvantaged people can participate.
MiRN Partners
Earthwatch Europe are proud to coordinate the MiRN, with partners spanning seven different countries, including the UK, France, Netherlands, USA, Canada, India and Australia.
Partners come from the following organisations and institutions:
- Acacia Eco
- BiFOR and TDAG
- Boom Forest
- Cranfield University
- DEFRA
- Dougan & Associates (Canada)
- Forest Research
- IVN
- Kent Council
- Knowlesgate Farm, Derbyshire
- Lesely College, MA, USA
- “Mini-Forest Revolution” author, Hannah Lewis
- Murdoch University
- Nordson Green Earth
- The Conservation Volunteers (TCV)
- Tomorrow’s Forests
- Tree Council
- Treeseve
- Unity Primary Academy Colchester
- University of Birmingham
- University of Derby
- University of Dundee
- University of Essex
- University of Leeds
- University of Leicester
- University of Sheffield
- University of Warwick
- Urban Forests
- Wageningen Netherlands
- White Rose Forest
- WildUrbanSPaces
If you are interested in joining the MiRN or are working on the Miyawaki planting method, please contact Dr Emily Pennifold.
MiRN Research Projects
Many of the institutions listed above support student research projects.
Learn more about the work undertaken by students across the MiRN here.