Micro woods bring tree-mendous boost to Stevenage

The new woods were planted in January this year at Peartree Park, Chells Park, and at Symonds Green, bordering the motorway and train line.

Each woodland comprises of 1,000 trees, consisting of 13 different species. The trees were planted at a density of 30,000 per hectare, following a Japanese method called Miyawaki.

The planting method – pioneered by Japanese botanist Dr Akira Miyawaki – is particularly effective in the urban environment. The trees planted using this method grow much faster, jump starting the forest creation process and capturing more carbon. Higher biodiversity has been recorded in Miyawaki forests compared with neighbouring woodland, making it an ideal method for creating diverse woodland ecosystems quickly.

This follows the planting of three micro woods in winter 2024/25, at St Nicholas Park, Hampson Park and Shephalbury Park, which were funded through Defra’s Coronation Living Heritage Fund. The funding supported planting initiatives to commemorate the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.

Councillor Rob Broom, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, said:

“These three new micro woods will improve the health and wellbeing of residents for generations to come, bring joy, and provide a boost to our local natural environment.

“We all know how important trees are to the planet and to our health, and the planting of the three micro woods follows on from our other endeavours to improve the environment for local people and wildlife – including the planting of Fairlane Wood and our other micro woods, wildflower and grassland meadows, and community orchards.”