A new forest sprouted last week as local residents, pupils and partner organisations joined to plant 650 trees in King Edward VII Park, Wembley.
Named the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Forest to honour the late Queen, the project sees the creation of Brent's first Miyawaki Forest. The Miyawaki method sees trees that naturally grow in an area planted to create a diverse, multi-layered forest.
The pioneering project has been championed by Network Homes resident Nicola Rogers. Nicola, who worked with Wates Living Space and The Conservation Volunteers to coordinate the volunteer efforts, said:
"Projects like this create environmental awareness and bring attention to why it is so important to have more green spaces.
"With the ever-changing climate, green spaces help fight biodiversity loss, filter general environmental pollution, capture heavy metals and offset carbon emissions.
"It feels amazing to have manifested Brent's first Miyawaki urban forest. I would love to create more urban forests in Brent and around London. I am truly grateful to have had this opportunity and for the support of the amazing companies I worked with."
The forest opened on 1 December, when project leaders were joined by students from Park Lane Primary School, eager to get their hands dirty and muck in with the planting.
Councillor Krupa Sheth, Brent's Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Action, said: “Tree planting is fantastic - not only does it suck out CO2 from the air, but it also creates more vibrant and beautiful spaces that all residents can be proud of..
"Studies show that walking through green spaces can improve mental health, so it really is a win-win. I am thrilled to be supporting this tree-planting project."
