Planting a Greener Future: Campbelltown’s First Tiny Forest Takes Root

Written by Anson Ng

Last week, on March 20th & 21st, our team organised Campbelltown’s very first Tiny Forest in partnership with Campbelltown City Council and Brother International. Students from grade 3 and 6 from Glenwood Public School and approximately 25 volunteers from the local community joined us, filling the site with energy, teamwork, and a shared commitment to creating greener and healthier urban spaces.

Community members worked side by side, digging, planting, and mulching over 900 seedlings. For many participants, it was their first experience planting a forest, making the day a memorable experiential learning opportunity. They gained hands-on experience planting a dense mix of native species that will grow into a thriving forest ecosystem, while also learning about the importance of biodiversity, healthy soils, and the role urban nature plays in supporting resilient communities.

What is a Tiny Forest?

Tiny Forests are densely planted pockets of native bushland, roughly the size of a tennis court, located within urban areas. These small urban wildlife habitats offer a unique nature-based solution that reconnects people with nature while helping to address urban climate and biodiversity challenges. Using an established planting technique known as the Miyawaki method, which incorporates soil enrichment, a diverse selection of indigenous plant species, and dense planting, Tiny Forests are designed to grow rapidly. As a result, they can develop up to ten times faster than traditional forests and become up to one hundred times more biodiverse than monoculture forests.

Impacts and benefits

A total of 900 plants representing 45 indigenous species were established at the site. As the forest matures, it is expected to enhance local air quality and contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation within the surrounding urban environment.

Beyond its environmental benefits, the Tiny Forest will also provide a valuable green space for the local community, offering a place of respite for residents and creating habitat for birds, insects, and other wildlife for years to come. As the forest grows, it will continue to support biodiversity, provide valuable learning opportunities for students, and foster a stronger connection between people and nature in Campbelltown.