Castle Green Forest II

An urban forest to mitigate pollution and bring biodiversity.

Barking and Dagenham, London, England

Miyawaki Forest

City

Trees

Square Meters

Native Species

Youth Impacted

The forest acts directly on its local environment. This area is heavily polluted and an urban biodiversity desert. The denseness of the Miyawaki method allows maximum potential Co2 drawdown and pollution mitigation. The trees chosen are also species that have evolved to live and even thrive in the urban environment.

Forest Maker
James Godfrey-Faussett

Forest Partner

Forest Report: 2023

0 Years

Forest Age

Survival Rate

Average of Tallest 3 Trees

A linear forest block facing the main road and on the edge of the park. One or two warrens have been spotted in the middle of the forest planting area - a great sign that this forest is attracting wildlife and providing habitat. In general, all tree species seem to be thriving with potentially some new saplings that have self-seeded in the center of the forest. There is some patchy undergrowth with some bark mulch/hay still showing.

Biodiversity Notes:

Yarrow, dandelions, and various grass species are starting to self-seed among the planted saplings.

Forest Report: 2022

0 Months

Forest Age

Survival Rate

Average of Tallest 3 Trees

This forest is doing well at 1 year old, having adapted well to the exposed conditions in the park, and is bringing a visible change to this former biodiversity desert. The sounds of bugs and birds can be heard as you stand by the forest, a welcome counterbalance to the busy traffic of the Ripple Road nearby.

Soil formation is good with high levels of visible fungi hyphae that will have a highly beneficial effect on the long-term health of the trees.

The tallest species currently is the wild cherry (Prunus avium) at 160cm, with a girth of 18mm.

Biodiversity Notes:

Many ladybirds (Coccinellidae) have been seen. Rosehips are also present, blooming on the dog rose (Rosa canina). Rosehips are valuable for supporting wildlife and will be a welcome source of food for birds this coming autumn and winter.

“The Castle Green Forest is an example of bringing an urban forest right into the heart of where they are needed most. This area is heavily polluted and lacking biodiversity. The dense forest will go some way to mitigating airborne pollution and provide a peaceful haven for biodiversity to set up home and thrive amongst the urban sprawl.”
James Godfrey-Faussett, SUGi Forest Maker