Close your eyes and imagine a space roughly the size of a tennis court. Fill it with trees, bushes, plants, and flowers. Birds build their nests, as insects and other small animals scurry across the moss covered floor. Now, imagine that this delightful plot of pure nature sits in the middle of your neighborhood, near your child’s school, or a quick walk from the office.

Welcome to the microforest—small, diverse forests that offer an astonishing ability to enhance human health and well-being, boost biodiversity and support climate resilience.

Microforests act as a community focal point and place to gather, which helps to promote social cohesion. Not only do microforests support the positive well-being of communities, but interaction with nature has been shown to reduce depression and anxiety and lower the risk of psychological distress. In 2016, the World Health Organization published a review of evidence on urban green spaces, concluding that they “can promote mental and physical health, and reduce morbidity and mortality in urban residents by providing psychological relaxation and stress alleviation, stimulating social cohesion, supporting physical activity, and reducing exposure to air pollutants, noise and excessive heat.”

At a time when cities increasingly need solutions to environmental and public health challenges, local leaders and city planners are excited over the potential of microforests to make life better for their communities.

Where did microforests come from?

The concept of the microforest was inspired in the 1970s by the work of Japanese botanist Dr. Akira Miyawaki. The “Miyawaki Method” calls for the planting of a diverse set of young indigenous plants and trees within a dense space. In a 2006 essay, Miyawaki wrote that “the planting should center on the primary trees of the location, and following the laws of the natural forest.”

*Diagram: Caitlin Dempsey with images from Canva.*

Microforests, sometimes referred to as “tiny forests” or “Miyawaki forests,” are designed to grow far more quickly and take up far smaller plots. The growth rate of a microforest can be as much as ten times faster as that of a regular forest. Over 10 years, one microforest in Jordan matched the level of growth that a regular forest would take 100 years to reach.

The ideal microforest should be around 200 to 250 square meters as that gives it the best chance to foster a viable and sustainable ecosystem. They can, however, take even less space—as little as 100 square metres.

Diversity is central to success for a microforest. To thrive, forests require multiple layers of plant and animal life through which the networks of biodiversity are shaped among animals, trees, fungi and much more. Think of it as a full-size forest, but in miniature, replicating on a smaller scale the same level of biodiversity.

What makes trees so good for us?

One 2019 study documented how residents in urban areas with heavier tree canopy were less likely to experience psychological distress and even reported improved health overall.

The researchers proved that trees are the most effective element of “green space.” Exposure to such areas where grass is the main feature was found to increase the odds of psychological distress, while exposure to low-lying vegetation (for example, bushes) didn’t yield any impact on people’s mental health.

The power of trees lies not only in their visually appealing aesthetic, but in the ability to make us feel better. They help cool sidewalks when temperatures are high, as well as greatly reduce noise pollution. Also, tree canopy cover has also been found to significantly contribute to social cohesion and social support, which are hugely positive for mental well-being.

How can biodiversity improve human health?

Microforests revitalize ecosystems by providing food and shelter for a vast array of living creatures, from soil microorganisms to larger vertebrates such as birds, reptiles, amphibians and small mammals.

One recent Dutch study catalogued some 636 animal species across a mere 11 microforests, as well as 298 new plant species in addition to the original species rooted in the plots.

Biodiversity can also revitalize us humans, supporting the development of healthy microbiomes, improve immune systems, and the healthy functioning of the digestive system.

In addition, multiple studies have shown that increased biodiversity contributes to psychological restoration and can trigger positive human emotions, and greater life satisfaction.

How else can microforests improve your local environment?

Indisputably, these small-footprint, native forests offer a local climate solution that can be managed by local communities, particularly in urban settings where environmental stewardship often falls victim to other priorities.

In addition to attracting biodiversity, they also improve inhabitants’ quality of life by supporting carbon sequestration, helping cities adapt to rising temperatures. In fact, their rich density, in addition to their biodiversity, make them far more effective at absorbing CO2 than traditional reforestation drives. Studies have proven that microforests cool cities more effectively than ornamental vegetation, as well as providing new areas of cooling.

Microforests also:

contribute to a city’s water supply and moisture retention, helping with drainage and reducing the risk of floods.
remove pollutants from the air, improving air quality.
act as buffers against natural disasters including tsunamis and hurricanes.

Where can you find a microforest?

Given their many positive impacts, as well as the limited space they require to flourish, their popularity is growing in urban planning, particularly in metropolitan areas.

Over the past few years, Greenpeace - together with their local supporters - has planted several microforests in Luxembourg, where UNature is based. The first two, created in Mertzig and Esch-sur-Alzette, have been taking root quickly: Last summer, via Instagram, Greenpeace gave an update, reporting that some of the trees in these plantations were 1.7 meters tall, and that biodiversity was already establishing itself.

Greenpeace planted a third microforest in Mamer. Hundreds of Greenpeace supporters participated in the planting ceremonies for these initiatives.

Meanwhile, in November 2024 Luxembourg City also organized the planting of a microforest.

One of the most inspiring aspects of these projects in Luxembourg, as elsewhere across the globe, is that they bring residents together to help better their local environment and community.

As people become more aware of, and sensitive to, the environmental challenges facing our planet, microforests offer a tangible and practical solution that can enhance human health and well-being, as well as help combat climate change and loss of biodiversity.

Consider getting involved in a local microforest project, and see what benefits it can bring to you and your community!

Sources

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Tiny forests, big impact: What is a microforest and how does it help people?

Planetary Health: What’s good for nature, is good for us