WHAT IS URBAN FOREST?
URBAN FOREST plants a microforest and gives life back to your environment. This specialist transforms land into a beautiful urban forest that restores biodiversity and green spaces using the Miyawaki method. Since 2016, more than 130 microforests have been planted in Belgium and France, making Urban Forest one of the European pioneers in replicating the natural forest in urban and peri-urban contexts. Its approach creates a densely planted area, generally between 100 and 3000 m², composed of a wide variety of indigenous trees and shrubs, all designed to foster a healthy, layered ecosystem. It is a proven way to revitalize spaces, reconnect residents with nature, and boost environmental quality—all while working with clear, practical expertise.
MAIN BENEFITS AND KEY FIGURES
The project delivers exceptional benefits that not only enhance the environment but also improve overall living quality. The key facts include:
- Revitalizes spaces easily with a proven method
- Creates a near-mature forest in about 20 years instead of 200 through natural regeneration
- Exhibits exceptional growth of roughly 1 meter per year, with trees becoming taller than the average person in just 2 to 3 years
- Requires only 2-3 annual maintenance sessions during the initial 2 to 3 years, after which maintenance is almost nonexistent
- Achieves a survival rate of 76% based on objective scientific studies
- Acts as a natural habitat that supports a rich biodiversity
- Produces environmental allies by improving air quality, protecting soil, and mitigating climate change
THE MIYAWAKI METHOD AT WORK
The method relies on principles developed in Japan and applies them successfully in different climates and conditions. The approach selects indigenous species based on scientific criteria—such as Potential Natural Vegetation (PNV) and detailed field observations—to recreate a native forest ecosystem at a remarkable speed. By mimicking the natural structure of an ancestral forest, the technique turns even small pieces of land into thriving, lively ecosystems. It is through this strategic and scientific approach that exceptional, rapid growth is achieved, producing a visually stunning and ecologically sound microforest.
EXPERIENCE AND ADAPTABILITY
The success of Urban Forest lies in its accumulated expertise and continuous learning through field experience. Having planted more than 130 microforests across diverse climatic conditions—ranging from temperate to Mediterranean—the project offers reliable data on growth rate, mortality, vegetation cover, soil properties, temperature dynamics, and water infiltration. Although a handful of sites faced challenges, such as insufficient protection against animals or unsuitable sandy soil, these instances are few. The study published in 2023 confirms that most microforests progress spectacularly, enjoying rapid growth and expanding biodiversity. This experience underscores that the Miyawaki method brings transformative change to urban environments.
CONNECTING COMMUNITIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT
The microforest initiative opens up opportunities for a diverse range of actors: schools, businesses, individuals, real estate stakeholders, public services, and citizen collectives all benefit from the infusion of greenery and nature into everyday spaces. These projects not only beautify urban landscapes but also become meeting points for education and social cohesion. They encourage citizen involvement and foster a sense of belonging—creating a tangible reminder that life and nature are interlinked. The playful yet purposeful establishment of these microforests invites communities to rediscover nature in a setting that is both vibrant and engaging… serving as a living testament to the importance of reconnecting with our roots.
LONG-TERM GROWTH AND SUSTAINABILITY
The evolution of a microforest tells a fascinating story from its humble beginnings as a sparse landscape of young plants to a mature, balanced, and autonomous ecosystem. Thanks to intensive soil preparation and the simultaneous planting of a diversity of species, these microforests quickly develop into multi-layered environments. After just 10 years, a beautiful layered forest may be observed where trees reach up to ten meters in height, and the natural progression of life intensifies with each passing season. The method not only shortens the regeneration period from 200 years to just 20 years but also creates self-sustaining green islands that battle urban heat and foster natural well-being.
PROJECT IMPACT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – transforming urban spaces into vibrant, green ecosystems
- SDG 13: Climate Action – contributing to climate change mitigation by cooling ambient air and enhancing evapotranspiration
- SDG 15: Life on Land – boosting biodiversity through the creation of indigenous habitats
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – improving air quality, reducing stress through natural relaxation spots
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – protecting soil and reducing risks of erosion and flooding
TOWARD A LUSH, INVITING FUTURE
In the dynamic interplay between urban needs and ecological restoration, Urban Forest exemplifies a natural, participatory approach to re-establishing green spaces. The microforests, created using the Miyawaki method, not only improve the aesthetics of urban areas but also offer a practical solution to environmental challenges. They are living, pulsing ecosystems that evolve over time, reflecting seasonal changes, fostering wildlife, and offering moments of calm in busy cityscapes. Seen as a bridge between modern development and nature’s timeless rhythm, these microforests symbolize the profound impact of simple, well-thought-out actions—a reminder that even small patches of restored land can have a lasting and powerful impact on climate, community, and quality of life.
