Looking to enjoy some time outdoors? Come and join a team from Ealing Council and help plant 600 trees to create 2 new tiny forests on Thursday and Friday.

If you’d like to offer a helping hand, please register your interest. There are 2 events taking place. The first is at Southall Recreation Ground, 29 Recreation Road, Southall UB2 5PE on Thursday 22 February, 12:30 – 3:30pm. Register for the free tree planting in Southall.

On Friday 23 February, you can join two tiny forest planting sessions at Trinity Way, Acton W3 7JD 11am – 12:30pm or 1pm. Register for the free tree planting in Acton.

People of all ages are invited to join the planting events.

The creation of these tiny forests, a partnership initiative between the council and environmental group Earthwatch Europe and supported by Canon, is part of the council’s ambition to plant 50,000 trees in the borough by 2026.

Why do we need tiny forests?

As well as a place for people to relax and enjoy nature, a tiny forest is a dense woodland about the size of a tennis court made up of around native 600 trees and shrubs.

A tiny forest provides food, shelter and nesting places for wildlife.

Trees provide oxygen and shade, clean the air and stabilise the soil. They bring beauty to the borough’s open spaces, parks and streets and boost mental health, helping people to reconnect with nature.

Councillor Deirdre Costigan, council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for climate action, said: “Trees are so important to our work to tackle the climate crisis in our borough. By the end of this year’s planting season in March we will have planted 19,000 new trees. Coupled with the trees planted in last year’s planting season, we will already be halfway through our ambitious programme of planting 50,000 trees by 2026, helping to create an ‘urban forest’ for us all to enjoy.”

“We hope you can join us on 22 and 23 February for the tiny forest planting in Southall and Acton.”

What to wear

Wear long sleeves and long trousers, and footwear such as wellies or walking boots. Equipment will be provided on the day but feel free to bring your own gardening gloves and a spade if you want.

Volunteering

The tiny forest will be maintained by tree keepers, made up of volunteers from the local community. They will help with weeding, watering and scientific monitoring. If you want to become a tree keeper contact Earthwatch.