Pocket Forests transforms small urban spaces into thriving native ecosystems through community collaboration and expert guidance from the Pocket Forests team.
This initiative addresses the urgent need for biodiversity and green spaces in urban areas whilst tackling flooding, drought, and community disconnection from nature. It's designed for schools, community organisations, and non-profits in County Dublin who have access to at least 25 square metres of suitable land and want to create lasting environmental impact.
The project involves a series of hands-on workshops led by the Pocket Forests team, including site assessment, soil preparation using materials and compost, and collaborative planting of 75 native trees and shrubs from at least 12 different species. Community members with no gardening experience can participate fully in creating these biodiverse habitats.
Your Pocket Forest will provide immediate benefits including improved air quality, wildlife habitat, flood management, and enhanced community wellbeing. The dense planting method, inspired by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawake, creates fast-growing multi-layered forests that participants can enjoy watching develop. You'll receive ongoing support and guidance on forest care, ensuring your community investment thrives for years to come.
Pocket Forests transforms small urban spaces into thriving native ecosystems through community collaboration and expert guidance from the Pocket Forests team.
This initiative addresses the urgent need for biodiversity and green spaces in urban areas whilst tackling flooding, drought, and community disconnection from nature. It's designed for schools, community organisations, and non-profits in County Dublin who have access to at least 25 square metres of suitable land and want to create lasting environmental impact.
The project involves a series of hands-on workshops led by the Pocket Forests team, including site assessment, soil preparation using materials and compost, and collaborative planting of 75 native trees and shrubs from at least 12 different species. Community members with no gardening experience can participate fully in creating these biodiverse habitats.
Your Pocket Forest will provide immediate benefits including improved air quality, wildlife habitat, flood management, and enhanced community wellbeing. The dense planting method, inspired by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawake, creates fast-growing multi-layered forests that participants can enjoy watching develop. You'll receive ongoing support and guidance on forest care, ensuring your community investment thrives for years to come.
That's brilliant! Great work everyone!
We have planted more trees and shrubs for our world, which means more oxygen for us all! We had fun. When we plant trees we feel better, we are aware that many forests and woodlands are in danger so we are happy that we have added trees to our world. We have learnt a huge amount from Catherine about Irish trees as shrubs, as well as learning how and when to plant. We talk about our legacy in this world a lot, and as 6th class students we are really happy for this to be a part of our legacy in St Catherine's. We have made some really special memories in the process on completing this project. Thank you so much to Catherine and her team. We loved it!
Great work everyone, can't wait to watch it grow now.
Our adult members of our team
Action plan:
Timeline:
When will you be able to start your project?
ASAP
How often will your team meet?
As often as necessary. We are together daily and as needs arise can meet.
Are there any key dates to share for the project?
We would like to get started during the winter months as this is the best time for planting.
Budget: You don't need to share exact prices, but please share how you're planning to spend the seed funding & what costs you're anticipating to get your project up and running:
We will need to spend on compost, some spades/shovels (we have a few but not a huge amount) and trees! We want to spend as much as possible on the trees themselves and we’re hoping to get as much compost and gardening materials on lend from the local community as possible. We would like to invest in a composting bin to further enable us to plant in the community.
Impact: How will your community benefit from this project?
Everyone benefits from more trees on the planet.
Do you have any measurable goals for your project, such as the number of people that will participate?
We will definitely be involving 5th class (25 students) and we have a team of at least 4 adults excited to help.
Are you hoping to spread knowledge or increase interest in a specific subject?
We will be doing an outreach to our estate explaining what we’re doing, what we need help with and showing our locality how they can be involved and the benefits of our tree planting for the area.
Location: If your project requires physical space, have you decided the location?
Not entirely but we can do soon.
Do you have all necessary permission and permits to carry out your project at the chosen location?
Yes – It’s on school grounds.
As a note, please we would rather this image is not shared on any platform as it shows the childrens faces. If this won't suffice please let me know and I can provide an alternative. Thanks!