What is a Miyawaki Forest? It’s a method of planting that uses locally native trees planted at very high densities to create fast-growing and biodiverse pocket forests. These forests are useful in parks, schools, private land, and reforestation projects, or wherever you need quick canopy cover and greenery. But which density is best to use? That’s what our project set out to discover. In September 2025, we planted six mini forests at different densities (from 1 plant per square metre, all the way to 6 plants per square metre), and now that the trees are 1 year old, we’re hosting an open day to showcase the progress so far.
Which density do you think has grown the tallest? Are the plants competing with one another in the high-density forests, or are they collaborating to support one another’s growth? Come along to find out!
We’ll have some hands-on work helping with site maintenance and weeding, a chance to meet other folk involved with the project, and then lunch offered at the newly built Waite Gatehouse.
Date: Saturday September 12th from 10am
Location: The Miyawaki Forest, Waite Arboretum (north-east corner, accessible from Sir Walter Young Ave), Urrbrae
Any queries, please feel free to contact Claire at claire.shoubridge@adelaide.edu.au or 0439 250 872