Tiny Forest Coming to Frank Banfield Park
First to be planted in Hammersmith areas and fourth in borough
Frank Banfield Park
August 11, 2023
Frank Banfield Park, off Fulham Palace Road, is to gain a Tiny Forest – a tennis court sized space planted with 600 native trees.
There are already three other Tiny Forests in our borough, in White City’s Hammersmith Park, which was the first to be planted in London and Fulham’s Normand Park and Eel Brook Common – and H&F Council says it aims to reach a total of ten by the 2030.
The plans for the Tiny Forest are included in what is described as a non-material amendment to an application, Ref 019/03265/FR3 which was granted by the council in May last year for the construction of a community garden within the three acre Frank Banfield Park.
The application included installation of a community store, shelter and accessible toilet, new footpaths, landscaping and fencing.
The amendments include an Earthwatch Tiny Forest specification with native tree planting. You can read more of these amendments using the reference 2023/01536/NMAT.
A tiny forest planted in Fulham
Environmental charity Earthwatch is teaming up with a range of organisations including Hammersmith & Fulham Council to pioneer Tiny Forests across the UK. 214 have already been planted and the charity says: “ These super tiny, super powerful forests aim to mimic the features of a traditional forest but in a really small space. To do this, the Tiny Forests will have a good mix of native trees which, over time, will create a wildlife rich environment.
“You don’t need huge amounts of space and you can plant them anywhere that land is available – in a park or a school, next to a road or on a brownfield site. Tiny Forest brings the benefits of woodland right into the heart of our cities and urban spaces: connecting people with nature, helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change, as well as providing anature-rich habitat to support urban wildlife.”
A tiny forest being prepared in Fulham in autumn
As well as trees and shrubs, with a mix of up to 25 native species, these forests provide a habitat for bees, butterflies, beetles and worms and also include a small outdoor classroom space for children.
Plans supporting the application say Frank Banfield’s Tiny Forest will cover 200 square meters and will include 17 different species including oak, cherry, alder, broom, gorse, birch and willow.
A statement from the council says: “ The inclusion of the Tiny Forest responds to the Borough's ambition to deliver multiple Tiny Forests across the Borough.
“ Due to its environmental, community and educational benefits, the Frank Banfield site is an ideal location for the Tiny Forest in association with the approved Community Garden. “
Area for planned tiny forest
You can find out more about the Tiny Forest movement and how to get involved here .
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