Today we have launched a new scheme called ‘Coetiroedd Bach’, contributing to the National Forest for Wales Programme.
‘Coetiroedd Bach’ bring the benefits of a forest right into the heart of our cities and urban spaces.
‘Coetiroedd Bach’ is the name for Tiny Forests in Wales.
They are designed using the methods developed by Dr Akira Miyawaki using the following principles:
- They are densely packed, small areas of fast-growing native woodland trees (approximately 25 species) which are planted and managed in partnership with local communities.
- Each forest should be about 200m2, which is roughly the size of a tennis court.
- The planting method encourages accelerated forest development and uses no chemicals or fertilisers.
- There are low management and maintenance requirements after the first two years.
- They provide rich biodiversity, capable of attracting over 500 animal and plant species within the first 3 years.
- They are a nature-rich accessible green space and outdoor classroom for people to reconnect with nature.
This approach reconnects people with nature, enhances wellbeing, helps mitigate the impacts of climate change and provides nature-rich habitat patches to support urban wildlife. More information on the Tiny Forest approach can be found at the following link: Tiny Forest (earthwatch.org.uk)
The scheme will be offering grants of between £10k and £40K for each forest site (up to £250k for multiple sites), and is suitable for organisations, communities and individuals who want to create new small woodlands managed in collaboration with the local community.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) are delivering the scheme on behalf of the Welsh Government. If you own or manage land in Wales, or have written permission from the landowner to apply to this scheme, please visit the NLHF website. For more information and to access the online application form follow this link: Apply for or manage funding for a heritage project | The National Lottery Heritage Fund
Webinars about the Coetiroedd Bach scheme are planned for:
- April 5th at 2pm,
- April 18th at 2pm
- April 19th at 10am.
More information about how to access these webinars will be available from the NLHF webpages once the scheme goes live on April 3rd.