Pocket Forest

The Idea

A Pocket Forest is a small area of densely planted native trees, shrubs and ground cover plants, to create a woodland ecosystem in the heart of towns and cities. Working from the soil up we prepare the ground with people who live, work or learn beside the forest. Then as a community we plant up to 25 native species of trees, shrubs and a further 30 wildflower species. Pocket Forests are based on Miyawake-style forests and combine this concept with proven permaculture methods to further evolve the idea to include recycled local materials and bring a circular economy idea to a green use for city waste. This method produces fast growing multi-layered forests which enables people who plant them to enjoy the fruits of their labour quickly. Planting diverse species guarantees biodiverse mini ecosystems are created in the urban areas where they are most lacking.

Pocket Forest allows communities to restore the wellbeing that comes from connecting with nature and to create healthy resilient ecosystems using recycled waste materials and native plants.

What you can do

As part of the Microsoft Dublin Community Challenge you can get funding of €5,000 which covers the cost of 300 trees and all the materials needed to plant a Pocket Forest in your school or an area that will benefit your local community. The Pocket Forest team will support you throughout the process from site selection to soil preparation and planting.