Cedric, Mercedes, Marceau, Ebru

Tiny Forest in Poland

Rozwarowo (Poland)

The project is about planting small forests (less than 1ha) in areas that otherwise would be unused/forgotten, especially close to or in cities. The method used is called miyawaki method and it ensures a very low maintenance management and a fast growth of high variety of species. This means that in only five years an area can be transformed from bare land to forest. One of these tiny forests, was planted in October 2021 in Rozwarowo, in an area close to the property of the foundation that supported the project. There 4526 trees and bushes were planted with the help of kids from surrounding schools and kindergarten and university. Here the link to more information (it is in German but can be probably translated with google translator) https://www.miya-forest.de/rozwarowo-2021.
The Tiny Forest project itself is led by Mr. Stefan Scharfe, a former student of the University for Sustainable Development in Eberswalde (the university at which I also study), which is now specialized in forest pedagogy.

I think this project is appropriate for the course assignment because it has a background in sustainability (creating green areas for the provision of ecosystem services) and it has a lot of potential for being developed uniquely based on the location of the forest. In the particular case of Rozwarowo, the involvement of the local community for the establishment of the forest and the interest of different age groups participating in the planting action was crucial for the positive outcome of the project on the short and long term.
For as simple as a forest could be, I think this is a good example to analyze and discuss about also because this was of great inspiration for many other locations that now are interested in creating a similar project. A side of the recreational value of the forest, the transformation of this area was also a good way for the local community to meet up and share time, energy and purpose. For the Kids that helped in the planting, this experience had great educational value and will be remembered for a long time, giving them a tangible sense of what it could mean to have a positive impact on the planet.
On the long term, the growth of the forest will also have a positive impact on the surrounding area by attracting a high biodiversity of insects, microorganisms, animals, fungi and much more.
Overall, I think this can be a good example also a sign that transformation can happen everywhere, even in the forgotten and abandoned corners of land, and it can bring positive impacts to everyone, in every age group and in every condition of health and those positive impacts can be extended both to humans and to nature.

I have already a contact with Mr. Stefan Scharfe, he speaks english and he would be interested in participating and applying what learnt about the regenerative approach to his future projects.
On the 8th of July we had our first meeting with Stefan and it was of great inspiration!