Astaffort School Forest

Self Sustaining Forest

Planted in March 2022, Astaffort School Forest continues to grow well, with the wild cherry trees (Prunus avium), norway maples (Acer platanoides), and goat willows (Salix caprae) thriving most. As a self-sustaining ecosystem, the forest has become a refuge for wildlife, with both small and large species now using it as a habitat and shelter. Small organisms like snails (Gastropoda), ladybirds (Coccinellidae) and worms (Lumbricus terrestris) have been observed, and larger mammals like wild boar (Sus scrofa), hare (Lepus) and deer (Capreolus capreolus) have also passed through the forest in search of refuge from the urban landscape.

Infiltration tests conducted on the forest soil reveal a healthy below-ground ecosystem, providing stable support for the forest's continued maturation. The tests showed that the soil in the forest absorbed water twice as quickly as the adjacent meadow, indicating superior water retention and filtration properties. This suggests that the forest’s soil structure is becoming increasingly effective at managing water flow, contributing to a healthier and more resilient ecosystem.The forest was also intended to become an educational space for the local primary school, a natural area for exploration, learning, and discovery. In its success, the forest has transformed into a dynamic outdoor classroom, fostering curiosity, creativity, and environmental awareness among the students.