Car Park Forest
Transforming a concrete car park into a thriving urban forest.
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Trees
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Native Species
Self sustaining pocket forest
This forest has shown exceptional growth since it was planted in March 2022, transforming a concrete, barren car park into a flourishing ecosystem. Originally planted at a density of 3 trees per square meter, the forest now thrives with 7 trees per square meter, thanks to natural self-seeding and the impressive fertility of the soil. Some of the tallest trees have already reached heights of 6 meters.
Car Park Forest sits at the heart of the community. Nestled between 2 parks, the forest attracts visitors daily, offering a peaceful escape for those passing by. The forest also showcases the creativity of the community. A talented local artist creates cards inspired by the forest's natural beauty and hosts art workshops for children. The community even holds yoga classes beside the forest.
Visitors are encouraged to share their thoughts and reflections with the forest through the creation of stone sculptures, placed around its border. This invites mindfulness and enhances the spiritual connection to Nature, creating a serene and contemplative atmosphere for all who wander through. In recognition of this, Mechelen city has fondly nicknamed the forest “Silence Forest”.
Forest Maker
Nicolas de Brabandère
Forest Partner
Ecosystem Restored
Final report: 31.10.2024
After approximately three years our SUGi Pocket Forests become self-sustaining. They no longer require human maintenance or watering, and can be handed over to Nature for biodiversity and complexity to naturally develop.
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People living within 300 meters
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Biodiversity
Biodiversity is all the different kinds of life you'll find in one area—the variety of animals, plants, fungi, and even microorganisms like bacteria that make up our natural world. Each of these species and organisms work together in ecosystems, like an intricate web, to maintain balance and support life.
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“Trees can do without people. But man, a city, a village, a neighbourhood cannot exist without trees...we are working towards a city where greenery is not a filler for leftover plots, but the solid blue-green network that embraces and supports the city.”
Patrick Princen, Alderman for Public Works, Nature and Green Development in Mechelen
Forest Report: 2023
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Average of Tallest 3 Trees
Since the creation of this forest, in March 2022, over 60 people have gathered here for three maintenance sessions. The city of Mechelen has organized several visits with classes at the Car Park Forest.
As a result, this forest has shown incredible growth. The trees have grown large leaves which is a great indication that they are healthy and thriving. We have noticed that there is higher growth in the well-lit areas of the forest, and that there are few plants on the ground other than those which have been intentionally planted by us. Wildlife is present within the forest; squirrels, beetles, snails and ladybirds have all been spotted. There are also some molehills dotted about!
The pocket forest is now an integral part of the community. Every day, dozens of people walk along the Car Park Forest with their children to the playground or to the dog pasture. Lots of open space now beckons locals.
Biodiversity Notes:
Various non-planted species, as well as fungi, are now thriving in this pocket forest, including: common purslane (Portulaca oleracea), large orange cup mushroom (Aleuria aurantia), large cheesewort (Malva neglecta), fingerwort (Lepidozia reptans), creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens), day cuckoo flower (Cardamine pratensis).
Forest Report: 2022
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Survival Rate
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Average of Tallest 3 Trees
Car Park Forest is growing very nicely, despite the drought during its first summer. The new trees are nicely sheltered by the large trees already present, which we think has contributed to the high survival rate. The forest was also watered once by the municipality.
The tallest trees are already over 250cm, which means growth of over 2m in just over six months. The adjacent park with its petting zoo is going to include the grove in the lessons they teach about biodiversity. You constantly see people with prams and children walking past it. Occasionally, someone is already sitting on the tree trunks that serve as benches. A local artist is also using this pocket forest as inspiration. It is certainly bringing joy to visitors and local people!
Planting: March 2022
