Little Hill Grove Tiny Forest planting day
Not just the incredible growth of the densely planted patches of native flora popping up in suburbia throughout Australia, but the rapid expansion of the concept itself.
An idea that originated in Japan has blossomed into a thriving local movement boasting thousands of volunteers, more than 50 sites already planted nationwide and now a new children’s book introducing the concept to a younger audience.
The Tiny Forest, by Lake Macquarie author Odette Tonkin and illustrator Anna Scobie, is published by The Groundswell Collective, a Lake Macquarie-based non-profit organisation rolling out tiny forests for the past 18 months across the Hunter Region.
It tells the story of one child’s love of the natural world and how her courage and determination to help the local environment bring her community together.
The Tiny Forest Author Odette Tonkin and Illustrator Anna Scobie
“Most kids love playing outside in the trees or mud, and have this innate sense of appreciation for nature,” author Tonkin said.
“I wanted to write a story that empowers children and reminds them that even though they might be small, their actions can have a big impact on our changing environment.”
The book launched on Friday 6 December at Taronga Zoo Sydney, a fitting location given The Groundswell Collective won a $50,000 grant through Taronga’s 2024 Hatch Accelerator Program.
Taronga’s Hatch program helps ecopreneurs take their ideas from vision to reality, and in the case of The Groundswell Collective, assisted in developing the book and an accompanying primary school educational kit that aligns with the NSW Department of Education curriculum.
The Groundswell Collective co-founder Anna Noon said the past 12 months had been a whirlwind of growth and positive change.
“Whenever people attend one of our tiny forest planting days, they talk about the incredible sense of positivity and connection gained from watching community members from all walks of life come together to restore nature,” she said.
“It’s very inspiring and energising to be part of something so meaningful, and I wanted to share a little of that magic with new and diverse audiences.”
“Anna and Odette have done an amazing job of bringing this vision to life in the book. They’ve shown how one small person or plant can make a positive different in the world.”
Ms Noon said the education kit, which will be rolled out to primary schools in the Hunter Region in 2025, would teach students about tiny forests, the environment and what they can do to address climate change.
“The book and its accompanying education kit cover themes that align closely with key primary school learning areas, including geography, science, PDHPE and creative arts.
“We’re so excited to keep growing the concept, growing the movement and of course growing our amazing tiny forests,” Ms Noon said.
The Tiny Forest is available in hardcover online at thegroundswell.org.au and at selected retailers for $25.
Tiny forests are based on a planting method developed in Japan in the 1970s, consisting of densely packed patches of native species growing in enriched, loosened soil.
Covering the size of a tennis court, the forests mature rapidly as the plants naturally compete for light.
Those planted by The Groundswell Collective have proven to be some of the fastest growing tiny forests in the world.
“Tiny forests bring the benefits of nature right into the heart of our urban spaces, where they’re needed most,” Ms Noon said.
“They are more than just trees. They’re a growing movement that reconnect people with nature, enhance wellbeing, help to mitigate the impacts of climate change and provide habitat for wildlife.”
INDEPENDENT NEWS IS IMPORTANT.
Enjoy reading Eco Voice? Please help us by purchasing a GIFT Voucher or send one to a friend and encourage people to purchase trees or seeds via The Native Shop – www.nativeshop.com.au
Plants, seeds & more delivered to your door!
www.nativeshop.com.au
Advertisement
