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Micro-Woodland Tree Planting

Posted on 25 Mar 2025

Stevenage Borough Council is proud to unveil the completion of the 2024-25 Miyawaki Micro Woodland Project, a transformative green initiative funded by the Coronation Living Heritage Fund. The new woodlands in Hampson Park, Shephalbury Park and St Nicholas Park when established will create vibrant and biodiverse spaces.

The planting, which was completed between November 2024 and January 2025, has seen the introduction of approximately 5,000 native trees and shrubs, chosen to reflect local biodiversity.

The project aligns with the council’s commitment to enhancing biodiversity, combating climate change, and improving green spaces for residents. It’s an example of how innovative environmental practices can help shape the future of our parks and open spaces.

This micro-woodland planting was made possible with support of residents, Green Space Volunteers, and the following schools:

  • Woolenwick Infant & Nursery School
  • Hart Learning Group
  • The Thomas Alleyne Academy & Hart Schools Trust
  • Peartree Spring Primary School
  • Featherstone Wood Primary
  • Shephalbury Park Primary School
  • Longmeadow Primary School
  • Round Diamond Primary School
  • Moss Bury Primary School
Micro woodland planted at Hampson Park with water tower in the background

What is a Miyawaki Micro Woodland?

Named after Japanese botanist Dr. Akira Miyawaki, this method of woodland creation focuses on dense, fast-growing forests. By planting native species close together, the Miyawaki technique mimics natural forest ecosystems, resulting in:

  • Faster Growth: These woodlands mature significantly faster than traditional forests.
  • More Biodiversity: A rich and varied habitat for local wildlife.
  • Greater Environmental Impact: Enhanced carbon capture, improved air quality, and cooling effects in urban areas.

While the micro-woodland will take several years to reach maturity, we hope with this method that we should see a growing thicket of trees in a few years’ time. The native tree species planted at our sites are as follows:

  • Dogwood
  • Elder
  • Field maple
  • Guelder rose
  • Hawthorn
  • Hazel
  • Hornbeam
  • Pedunculate oak

Environmental and community benefits

The sites were identified as being easily accessible to the public and well used by local residents and host a range of environmental and community benefits such as:

Boosting biodiversity: The mix of native species provides habitats for birds, insects, and other wildlife, fostering a thriving ecosystem. They create improved wildlife corridors to link existing woodland with other wildlife habitats i.e. other wooded areas, grassland meadows, or aged hedgerows and deliver significant benefits to the community and the environment:

Combatting climate change: These micro-woodlands will absorb carbon dioxide and reduce the urban heat effect in surrounding areas.

Enhanced green spaces: The micro-woodlands, immediately adjacent to existing wooded areas provide an opportunity to increase the area of woodland, add texture and character to local parks, creating peaceful areas for visitors to enjoy.

Improving well-being: Green spaces are known to benefit mental and physical health, offering opportunities for relaxation, exercise, and connection with nature.

A lasting legacy

The Miyawaki Micro Woodland Project has transformed green spaces in Stevenage, leaving a legacy that will grow for generations to come. This initiative reflects the council’s dedication to sustainability and the environment, ensuring that Stevenage remains a greener, healthier, and more biodiverse town.

To learn more about other woodlands in Stevenage, visit our Landscapes and Woodlands pages.