Oakwood Primary Forest
An outdoor classroom to immerse children in Nature.
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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
Oakwood Primary Forest, planted in November 2021, has transformed what was once a barren, undeveloped area of dry earth and sparse grass into a thriving ecosystem brimming with life. Today, the forest is a vibrant mix of dense greenery, so lush that walking through it is nearly impossible.
Birches (Betula spp.), alders (Alnus glutinosa), and willows (Salix spp.) have grown rapidly, capturing the attention of the schoolchildren who marvel at the trees’ remarkable expansion. The forest has also become a haven for diverse species, with an abundance of snails and slugs thriving among its foliage, showcasing the richness of its ecosystem.
Now a self-sustaining environment, Oakwood Primary Forest offers an inspiring outdoor classroom where students can connect with Nature and witness its dynamic growth firsthand.
Forest Maker
James Godfrey-Faussett
Forest Partner
Ecosystem Restored
Final report: 18.12.2024
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
Forest Report: 2023
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Forest Age
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Survival Rate
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Average of Tallest 3 Trees
Oakwood Primary has seen a significant change in the forest this year. Most of the trees are thriving due to the advantage of no shading effects with the Alder (Alnus Glutinosa), Silver Birch (Betula pendula) and Goat Willow (Salix Caprea) being the three tallest. The average height of the 3 tallest trees has almost doubled from last year, growing from 131cm to 240cm. Thanks to our Scottish summer the heavy downpour of rain has helped preserve the condition of the land.
Our whole school community is learning to respect, appreciate and most importantly conserve our natural environment. At the moment, the forest is overgrown with Fireweed (Chamaenerion), Nettles (Urtica) and other flowering plants, which we have encouraged as advised by the Sugi Project. Whilst this is environmentally useful for biodiversity and an educational point for children, the social impact is that children are only able to observe from outside the forest and are unable to maneuver or wander within.
For this reason, the school has been observing the forest from the outskirts using identification keys. This also benefits the new and growing ecosystem as we have been careful not to interfere with the growing saplings. Our school community is excited to continue watching and nurturing our flourishing forest.
Biodiversity Notes:
There are a lot of wildflowers growing including Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Bush Vetch (Vicia Sepium) and Hawkweed (Hieracium). The forest is overrun with Brown-lipped (Cepaea Nemoralis) and White-lipped (Cepaea Hortensis) snails, particularly around the Common Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) growing in the forest. The school environmental club observed the species in the forest but not many were to be found without disturbing the habitats. They did observe a Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus), Common Earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris) and some different species of spider including a European Garden Spider (Araneus diadematus) and a Four Spot Orb Spider (Araneus quadratus). We have taken steps to try and encourage more minibeasts into our forest by constructing minibeast hotels and hanging bird food in the trees adjacent to the Sugi Pocket Forest where we observed and heard Magpies (Pica pica), House Sparrows (Passeridae) and Blue Tits (Cyanistes Caeruleus).
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 pocket forest is thriving thanks to the care from Oakwood Primary School. Survival rate and growth rate are both excellent - as indicated by the data. The forest was monitored by the school Environmental club; it is already bringing great enrichment to the lives of these Glasgow primary students.
Biodiversity Notes:
“We are really inspired by how we can change our relationship with the environment around us by planting a Miyawaki forest. Our school community will have a tangible opportunity to support biodiversity and experience nature directly. Our school name of 'Oakwood’ even connects us with a key native species, the mighty Oak!”
Vanessa Thomson, Headteacher, Oakwood Primary School
Planting: November 2021
Other Forests Nearby
Broomfield Forest
Creating a holistic biodiversity hub in urbanised Glasgow.
Springburn Forest
A forest to help rejuvenate this historic Glasgow park.
Auchterarder Park Forest
Where Nature and joy unite for the local community.
