Children help to create Japanese-style microforest

More than 850 trees have been planted by volunteers including primary school children to create a Japanese-style microforest.

The pupils, aged four to 11, helped to plant a mixture of native woodland trees and shrubs on Treales village field in Lancashire.

It is the 31st microforest to be planted by the county council. The number of trees now totals 35,000 and there is a forest in each district.

Japanese botanist Dr Akira Miyawaki developed the technique, which involves enhancing the soil and planting trees closer together, resulting in faster growth.

This sped-up process allows important wildlife habitats to form much more quickly than they would do normally, giving them resilience to drought, flood, and vandalism.

Winter is the best time for the work as the trees are dormant, allowing their roots to establish before the growing season begins.

Councillor Jane Barnes, chair of the Treales, Roseacre and Wharles Parish Council, said: "We've worked very closely with Lancashire County Council to create a mini forest, with the help of community groups, the school and schoolchildren.

"It will have a glade in the middle for the children to learn about the environment.

"We're delighted to be able to have this space and for everybody to have come out to help us to plant it."

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