Miyawaki Forests with Dr Grey Coupland

Miyawaki forests, also known as pocket forests, are being established in urban and suburban areas around the world as a way to bring nature back into small spaces within cities. These densely planted areas (3-5 plants per m²) are comprised of locally native species planted into soil that has been remediated to restore nutrients, and importantly, reinvigorate soil microbial life. These small, densely planted native forests can rapidly green urban spaces, boost biodiversity, reduce heat, and reconnect people with nature.

Dr Grey Coupland is researching the ecology of Miyawaki (pocket) forests and the use of these forests for urban greening and increasing urban biodiversity in the Australian context. In addition, Grey brings these pocket forests into schools via a dedicated STEM outreach program that empowers students, enabling them to take tangible environmental action, while also providing them with practical and theoretical STEM learnings. The children act as citizen scientists under the program which was a finalist for the Australian Museum Eureka prize for "Innovation in Citizen Science" in 2023.

Drawing on local research from Murdoch University as part of the Miyawaki Forest Program, Grey's talk will explain what Miyawaki forests are, why they are gaining global attention, and how they perform under Western Australian conditions, as well as their impact on our wellbeing.

All are welcome to attend. We kindly ask for a $3 donation on entry to help support the work of the Friends of Bold Park Bushland. Tea, coffee, and a light supper will be provided afterwards.