The Miyawaki method has gained attention for its innovative approach to urban greening and ecosystem restoration.
The method involves planting high-density, multi-layered forests comprised of diverse native species. Making waves globally, it has now found its way to Western Australia, thanks to the efforts of researcher Dr. Grey Coupland at The Harry Butler Institute and forest funding partner, Carbon Positive Australia.
The Miyawaki Forest methodology was devised by Japanese botanist Professor Akira Miyawaki. Dr Coupland explains, “In the 1970s, Professor Miyawaki was concerned by the loss of native vegetation across much of Japan. Professor Miyawaki sought to remedy this by recreating the pockets of diverse ecosystems he observed around the ancient Japanese temples and shrines, and so the Miyawaki method was born. Miyawaki forests are characterised by their high plant density and species composition, and an extensive soil remediation process.”
Miyawaki forests are comprised of four layers -canopy, tree, subtree, and shrub -which creates structural diversity in the forests, and fosters habitat provision for various wildlife species and promotes overall ecological resilience. The Miyawaki method offers numerous advantages over traditional reforestation approaches. “When the plants are close together, they grow quickly. So, forests can reach maturity in 10 to 20 years as opposed to 100 to 200 years. It speeds up the forest maturation process, which is extremely beneficial in urban areas that need to create canopy cover and enhance biodiversity quickly,” said Dr Coupland.
In addition to ecological benefits, Miyawaki forests contribute to community wellbeing. The lush green spaces enhance mental health, emotional well-being, and physical activity levels. As urban areas face the challenges of climate change, these forests act as natural carbon sinks, provide localised cooling which helps to mitigate the urban heat island effect.
Since its inception, the Miyawaki method has spread across Japan and Southeast Asia, with projects taking root worldwide. Forests following this technique have been planted across Europe, Kenya, South Africa and Chile, among other locations. In Australia, the Miyawaki forest movement is still in its infancy, making it an exciting opportunity for individuals and communities to contribute to this new method of ecological restoration.
For Dr. Coupland, her research on Miyawaki forests came after an unexpected encounter on social media. After watching a video on Facebook made by the World Economic Forum, Dr. Coupland was inspired by the potential of these forests to bring biodiversity back into our cities and create sustainable urban landscapes in Australia and subsequently founded the Miyawaki Forest Program.
The program encompasses two main components: research and outreach. The research component focuses on mechanisms for adapting the Miyawaki method to Australian conditions and Australia’s unique plant species. The research is providing empirical data on the efficacy of the method in promoting the growth and survival of native plant species and enhancing urban biodiversity. This research assesses soil biodiversity using environmental DNA, and uses plant survival and growth indicators to gain insights into the method's applicability and environmental outcomes using Australia’s unique bushland plant species.
The outreach component involves engaging schools and students in the planting and monitoring of Miyawaki forests. “I take the program into schools. Students create compost from their own food waste and this compost is then used to revitalise the soil before the children plant their very own forests. The children are actively involved in an environmental action that they can see has tangible outcomes,” explains Dr. Coupland. “The program empowers them to contribute to sustainable practices and instils a sense of ownership and pride in their forest and their local environment.”
As well as this ground-breaking research and outreach, an exciting opportunity awaits an individual passionate about the intersection of urban greening, health, and wellbeing. Dr. Coupland, in collaboration with philanthropist Angela Whitbread, has established a PhD scholarship focused on exploring the health and wellbeing effects associated with Miyawaki forests. The scholarship delves into understanding how the presence of these forests positively impacts the emotional wellbeing, mental health, and behavioural management of students and the wider community. You can find more on the scholarship here.
Individuals interested in participating in similar programs, or contributing to urban greening efforts can explore various avenues. “Look for any community forest organisation and get involved in their planting events. If you want to get started at home, it's really simple to re-vegetate your verge. If everyone re-vegetated their verge with native plants, it would create a pollinator highway along our streets. Imagine how beautiful our suburbs could look,” said Dr Coupland.
The Miyawaki Forest Program has proven to be a game-changer in helping to transform urban landscapes, infusing them with vitality and biodiversity. Dr. Coupland’s research has propelled this initiative forward in Western Australia, offering a potential path to sustainable cities and communities. As the global movement gains momentum, you can be a part of this transformative journey, whether by joining existing projects, initiating your own reforestation efforts, or exploring the scholarship opportunity that aims to pave the way for a greener, healthier future.
Pic at top: Dr. Grey Coupland planting with students at South Padbury Primary School.
