To help explain how the Miyawaki planting method works and how it is applied in programmes like Tiny Forest, we’ve put together this helpful list of FAQs.

If you have more questions, or would like further information on Miyawaki forests, please do contact us.

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 (the potential natural vegetation) and planting all four canopy layers at the same time, to create a diverse, multi-layered forest community (Miyawaki, 2013). This creates a resilient and thriving forest ecosystem with species that complement each other.

The Miyawaki method has been applied in the Far East, Malaysia, and South America; results have been very impressive, allowing quick environmental restorations of strongly degraded areas. The method has been less extensively studied in the UK, but Earthwatch Europe is building the evidence base.

How are Miyawaki forests planned and planted?

Tiny Forests are meticulously planned by a team of scientists. We consider forest location, soil preparation, species selection, and community needs on a case-by-case basis. This is a science-driven, long-term approach, not a quick fix.

What evidence supports the long-term viability of these forests?

Earthwatch’s oldest Tiny Forests are now five years old, and we’re seeing healthy growth across all canopy layers. Though five years is a short period of time in the life of a forest, we’re committed to long-term monitoring. Miyawaki forests in Asia that are 50 years old are thriving, diverse woodlands. We’re confident that our forests will follow suit. Our latest monitoring report, detailing biodiversity and community engagement, can be found here.

How do Tiny Forests contribute to overall tree cover in the UK?

While they may be small, they make a big impact. In the 2023-24 planting season alone, we planted 20,400 trees, representing about 4% of trees planted outside of woodlands in the UK. That’s a meaningful contribution, particularly when research consistently finds that Miyawaki Forests have higher tree survival rates than traditional planting methods (The Tree Council’s “Trees Outside Woodlands” report). More importantly, they bring the benefits of nature to urban areas where they’re needed most. 54% of our Tiny Forests are in areas of high deprivation.

What are the cost and effectiveness considerations for Tiny Forests?

The cost of establishing a Tiny Forest varies depending on several factors, including site preparation, soil conditions, tree sourcing, and community involvement. Our aim is to create Tiny Forests in a cost-effective way by working with partners and volunteers. We believe Tiny Forests are a cost-effective solution. The Tree Council’s “Trees Outside Woodlands” report shows Miyawaki plots have significantly higher survival rates compared to control plots (79% vs. 47%). That means more trees thriving for the investment. Earthwatch’s Nature in Cities project takes a holistic approach and tree planting is just the beginning of a community’s relationship with their Tiny Forest. Earthwatch works alongside the community to deliver long-term monitoring and nature connection opportunities.

If you are interested in funding a Tiny Forest, please contact us for more detailed information.

How are communities involved in the Tiny Forest program?

Central to both the Miyawaki approach and Earthwatch’s mission is the involvement of communities in creating, caring for and enjoying their forest. To facilitate this Earthwatch reach out to as many people in the local community as possible, inviting them to participate in any and all of designing, planting, and caring for and monitoring their Tiny Forests by becoming Tree Keepers.

How are underserved communities involved in the Tiny Forest program?

This is a core part of Earthwatch’s mission. The Miyawaki method presents benefits such as social cohesion. The majority of our Tiny Forests are planted in areas of multiple deprivation. We partner with schools, local organisations, and community groups, including refugee associations, youth groups, and LGBTQAI+ associations, to ensure everyone has access to nature.

What is the aftercare plan for Tiny Forests?

Studies suggest that Miyawaki forests do not require maintenance once they are three years old. Nevertheless, we have a dedicated team and a UK-wide network of “Tiny Forest Tree Keepers.” We also work with partners to integrate Tiny Forests into local tree plans for long-term management.

How does the dense planting impact the growth of the trees?

The Miyawaki method creates a competitive environment that encourages rapid, healthy growth. The Tree Council’s “Trees Outside Woodlands” report shows Miyawaki plots have faster growth rates than control plots. While trees may have slightly thinner trunks, they are strong and resilient. The oldest Miyawaki forests in Asia, nearly 50 years old, are a testament to this! We are also actively researching tree density over time and report on our findings publicly in our annual monitoring report.

How are the trees selected for a Tiny Forest?

Tiny Forests are planted with a mixture of native trees. The mix for each Tiny Forest site is different and is based on soil analysis of that site. Trees are sourced from UK-based providers, as local to the Tiny Forest as possible. The tree species list for each Tiny Forest site can be found on the Tiny Forest portal.

What are the long-term considerations for tree density and thinning?

Our ongoing research includes the long-term impact of dense planting. Japanese practitioners observe minimal mortality for the first 20 years, with natural thinning of shorter-lived species occurring later as the canopy develops. We are working to ensure long term management plans are in place.

How accessible are Tiny Forests to the public?

Many of our Tiny Forests include paths and benches, making them welcoming, natural spaces that everyone has access to. Some also serve as valuable outdoor classrooms for schools, providing a great opportunity for school pupils to learn about the ecosystem service benefits of woodlands.

What research is being conducted on carbon storage in Tiny Forests?

We are actively researching carbon storage in our Tiny Forests and report on our findings publicly in our annual monitoring report. We only look at tree growth above the ground meaning that our estimates of carbon storage are an underestimate. Our data indicate that over the first 4 years, Tiny Forests store exponentially more carbon each year. This rate will slow over time as trees reach their maximum height.

What research is being conducted on biodiversity in Tiny Forests?

By planting all four forest layers close together, Miyawaki forests rapidly provide valuable structurally diverse habitat for organisms. A report of biodiversity at two Miyawaki Forests in the Netherlands found their biodiversity was consistently higher than reference, traditionally planted forests, in the region. We are also actively researching biodiversity change over time and report on our findings in our annual monitoring report.   

What other research is being conducted on Tiny Forests?

The Miyawaki method has been used globally to provide benefits to people and nature. At Earthwatch, we work with citizen scientists to monitor four ecosystem services:

• Tree growth and carbon storage
• Biodiversity support
• Flood mitigation
• Thermal comfort
• Social benefits

We publish the results of this monitoring in our annual monitoring report. We also work with academics and university students to build on citizen science monitoring, aiming to understand the mechanisms as well as extent of ecosystem service provision by Miyawaki Forests.

Earthwatch is also a member of the Miyawaki Research Network (MiRN), a group of Miyawaki researchers, practitioners and interested decision-makers. The MiRN operates to further collaboration around Miyawaki research interests. You can learn more about the research projects undertaken by students and researchers from multiple institutions across the Miyawaki Research Network here.

Where can I find the data on Tiny Forests?

All the survey data for each Tiny Forest is publicly available and can be found on the Tiny Forest portal. We also publish analysis of the survey data each year in our Tiny Forest Monitoring Report.

Where can I learn more about the Miyawaki planting method?

We recommend the Miyawaki Handbook published by Kent County Council. You can also download Professor Miyawaki’s book Forests For The Future.

We’re always happy to answer your questions! Please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re excited to continue growing Tiny Forests and bringing nature’s benefits to communities across the UK!