Plans for Surrey's first tiny forests

Tiny forests are planted using a mix of native trees

Tennis-court sized areas of woodland, known as "tiny forests" could be coming to Surrey.

Two borough councils are considering planting the green spaces, designed to fast track to the stable ecosystem of a mature woodland in a shorter time.

The mini forests are based on the work of pioneering Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, whose work regenerating forests on degraded land started in the 1970s.

Spelthorne Borough Council said the plans would mean a denser habitat for wildlife than the tree planting already done in the borough.

As well as supporting wildlife, mitigating the impacts of climate change and helping people connect with nature, the council said the community could be involved in the project.

Documents from the council's environment and sustainability committee said: "Tiny Forest also offer a unique opportunity for community engagement."

Earthwatch, the organisation that delivers the tiny forests, would organise volunteer planting days, engage a tree-keeper team of community volunteers and train volunteers in citizen science to monitor the environmental and social benefits of the forest.

The council, in partnership with neighbouring Runnymede Borough Council, will apply to the Local Authority Treescapes Fund, subject to councillors' approval.

The meeting report said Spelthorne, as one of the most urban boroughs within Surrey, had one of the lowest percentage tree canopy covers in Surrey.

"Tiny Forest is an ideal method for restoring lost woodland in urban areas," officers said.

There are 278 tiny forests already planted across the UK and Ireland, and Spelthorne said each one costs approximately £32,960.