A neglected and weedy corner of the Silverstream School grounds is being reimagined as a 'Tōiti wao - Little Forest' area. The site was manually cleared in Summer 2021, and initially, seven hardy native species were selected to plant the following winter. These plants were densely planted in line with the 'Microforest Movement' guidelines. 'Microforests' is a concept popularised by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki and has been gaining popularity recently.
"Microforests are small, densely planted areas containing up to 30 species of native plants. They can absorb 30 times more carbon than conventional plantings, and can be as small as 30sqm". Https://www.stuff.co.nz/environment/climate-news/124046340/new-zealands-first-known-microforest-a-tiny-step-towards-fighting-climate-change.
The students enthusiastically helped out with planting and continue to be involved in ongoing maintenance activities. As the forest grows, additional nature-based play elements and features such as predator trapping, seating and insect motels will be incorporated. And grow it is - now two and a half years on some of the ribbonwoods are over 1.5m high. The forest is a popular spot during interval and lunchtime. It provides a quiet reflective space, but also is popular for hide and seek and imaginary play. The kids are respectful of the young trees, very few have been damaged. They have been making their own tracks around the trees and huts in the clearings. "Kids hardly get the opportunity to engage in this type of play anymore. Some of my best childhood memories and my passion for landscaping was nurtured while messing about in the bush at the back of our property", says Katie Bailey (Landscape Architect, MOAT).
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