Biodiversity for a Livable Climate

Hedgerows are a good analogy for explaining one of the most asked questions about the Miyawaki method of reforestation - planting density. Proper hedgerows are an ecological wonder and relics of a former age when they would have crissed-crossed the land, particularly in the UK and Europe. Over 50% of UK hedgerows have disappeared since world war two. Before then they covered up to 2.5% of the total land area. Large scale industrial agriculture felt the need for larger streamlined field systems and the soil, ecology and biodiversity has been in decline ever since. Hedgerows offer protection against soil erosion, evaporation in the warmer months and wind damage while lessening the effects of flooding and also help build soil fertility. They also act as super highways for pollinators - often where they are most needed. When planting a new hedgerow, saplings are normally planted at a ratio of four to five per sqm. The Miyawaki method recommends a density of three or four saplings per sqm. No one bats an eyelid at the planting density of hedgerows and growth is normally vibrant and healthy with each species contributing a subtle difference in strata and successional lifecycle. If left to grow unmanaged hedgerows will grow tall and wild ( such as the one in the photo) with climax species such as oak often appearing later when conditions are suitable and slowly starting to dominate. The initial planting density just starts the complexity and conditions needed for vibrant establishment of the macro organism where everything has it's role. 🌳 Photo credit : Annie Spratt. #biodiversity #complexity #miyawakimethod #hedgerows #diversity #ecosystemrestoration #ecosystem #afforestation #reforestation #restoration #naturebasedsolutions #nature

🇬🇧Cooling Brutalist Architecture. The magic of SUGi Pocket Forests! Check out this Urban Heat profile taken at our  Southbank Forest in London, on 25 June 2024 at 3:30 pm. In certain places we measured up to 25 degrees celsius differences! With temperatures around the world rising to new levels (especially in cities), trees and urban forests offer a natural solution to the challenges we face in our cities. Having SUGi Pocket Forests integrated into our cities supports the health and wellbeing of communities. These forests do more than simply increase a location’s aesthetic; they protect us from the impact of the climate crisis by preventing flooding and mitigating the ‘Urban Heat Island effect’, and must be understood as a powerful tool. Support Nature-based Solutions that build biodiversity, climate resilience and wellbeing in cities. 🌿 Forest Partner: Southbank Centre Hayward Gallery Moët & Chandon Forest Maker: James Godfrey-Faussett

Ten percent of North America was once covered in wetlands, most of which were created and maintained by beavers! About 200 million beavers. What would it take to shift our relationship with beavers from considering them pests to partnering with them to restore the vast swaths of aquatic habitat that once kept the continent wet, cool and full of biodiversity? Maybe even stop the spread of forest fires?

The fire season has already started, and we are faced with once again standing by in helplessly ( often with the smell of smoke in the air and eerie apocalyptic yellow skies). It may seem a small thing, but Bio4Climate is busy helping communities plant their own mini-forests, even in urban areas. In addition to the direct benefits of flood mitigation and cooling- creating new forests gives us hope. We are wrapping up our spring fundraiser to support this essential hands-on program. Please take a look at our work and consider making a donation. If you give by June 7th- your donation will be matched by a generous donor! Thanks! https://lnkd.in/eY3-dBeR

Imagine a thriving, biodiverse forest in the heart of Worcester. That future is here with the Miyawaki Forest. Spearheaded by the City of Worcester with BSC leading the project team, the Miyawaki Forest project will bring ecological richness, climate resilience, and sustainability to Worcester. This innovative approach uses the Miyawaki method: densely planting native trees to combat heat and flooding. In this new video update on the project, community liaison Guillermo Creamer Jr explains the vision and scope, detailing the planned conversion of the 6,000 sq ft McGrath parking lot into an urban eco-sanctuary. Watch the full video here: https://lnkd.in/g_vfgC9P    The Worcester Miyawaki Forest is made possible by the Massachusetts Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness program, designed to support cities and towns across the state in preparing for the challenges of climate change. #BuildSupportConnect #WorcesterMiyawakiForest #ClimateResilience Biodiversity for a Livable Climate

Last Sunday, Time Magazine Online Published a Detailed Review of My Book, "A Forest Journey: The Role of Wood in the Fate of Civilization" The Title of the Article, "Books Vital Warning About How Forests Shape Human History." To read the article, see below: