Rion Des Landes College
Cultivating greenery and tranquility for children in a treeless environment.
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Trees
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Square Meters
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Native Species
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Youth Impacted
Self-sustaining Forest
The planting of this forest in December 2021 transformed a barren plot surrounded by concrete into a thriving natural space with the introduction of 29 native tree species. The forest now attracts a wide range of wildlife, including snails (Gastropoda), locusts (Caelifera), and ladybirds (Coccinellidae). Notably, a green whip snake (Hierophis viridiflavus) has also been spotted, highlighting the forest’s growing biodiversity and the development of a complex, self-sustaining ecosystem.
Each year, the story of the forest is passed on to the next group of 6th grade students, who monitor its growth and use it as a living classroom. In this dynamic learning environment, students explore topics such as ecology, natural systems, and environmental stewardship, gaining hands-on experience in understanding and nurturing the natural world.
Forest Maker
MiniBig Forest
Forest Partner
Ecosystem Restored
Final report: 22.11.2024
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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Survival Rate
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People living within 300 meters
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kg of potential CO2 sequestration
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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Potential number of mammals
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Potential number of birds
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Potential number of amphibians
Urban Heat Profile
The Urban Heat Island Effect is affecting cities more and more each year and temperetures in urban areas can go up to 12 degrees hotter. This can be reduced and prevented by planting urban forests like this. We collected the air temperatures on an alarmingly warm day in October at Rion Des Landes College and saw amazing results.
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Air Temperature Difference
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Surface Temperature Difference
“SUGi’s Forest Makers at MiniBigForest and the teachers of the Marie Curie college in Rion-des-Landes are partnering to create a natural dense forest. At the entrance to the college, this forest will link up with the adjacent primary school and provide shade and freshness, critical for the well-being of schoolchildren in this currently treeless environment.”
Noëlie Courier, MiniBig Forest Maker
Forest Report: 2023
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Forest Age
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Average of Tallest 3 Trees
The cork oak that was replanted in the center of the forest in homage to the assassination of Samuel Paty is doing very well now, following a period of bad health.
The new 6th grade students have taken over from last year's class, and the history of the forest is passed on from year to year at the college.
Professor Carlos Da Fonsaca who led this project at the college, recalls that the site was formerly a house, and that life has now settled here thanks to the trees on completely inert shaved ground.
Biodiversity Notes:
Forest Report: 2022
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Forest Age
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Survival Rate
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Average of Tallest 3 Trees
This forest is thriving at 1 year old - both in terms of its growth and its impact on the Rion des Landes College community. The pocket forest has an exceptional survival rate, particularly considering the summer heatwave and drought of this year. The forest was only watered twice during the summer months, but it is clear that the thick mulch has helped the soil to retain adequate moisture. As such, this forest has a good growth rate too. The tallest species is currently the chestnut tree (Castanea sativa).
The alder buckthorn (Frangula alnus) has already produced its black fruit in the first year. Flat mushrooms are growing around one of the hazel trees (Corylus avellana), a sign of important initial fungal colonisation in the soil.
The children at the school have been involved in the maintenance of the forest and it is a source of great enrichment - both academic and pastoral - for them.
Biodiversity Notes:
Planting: December 2021
