A London Borough’s Vision of Urban Restoration
10
FORESTS
45,200
TREES
14,300
SQUARE METERS
24
NATIVE SPECIES
SUGi is partnering with the Borough of Barking & Dagenham’s Ranger Service on a bold plan to bring nature closer to all its residents. Our collaboration began when an ambitious coalition of civic and community leaders formed to support the creation of a forest in Parsloes Park, Dagenham, to honor all the front liners and regular citizens fighting COVID-19. This historic project, known as the 'Forest of Thanks', is now the largest Miyawaki Forest in the UK and Europe.
SUGi has since created three more Pocket Forests for the Barking & Dagenham community: Castle Green Forest I + II and Thames View Junior. It’s our hope that with the borough’s inspired leadership, we can together rewild even more schools and neighbourhoods to make Barking & Dagenham a showcase of how to rebuild the web of life and restore health and wellness for all species and all people.
Forest of Thanks
SUGi is partnering with the Borough of Barking & Dagenham which has been designated as a national priority for urban regeneration; to build the largest Miyawaki Forest in the UK!
An ambitious coalition of civic and community leaders has come together to support the creation of a Forest of Thanks for all the front liners and regular citizens fighting COVID-19.
Thames View Forest
Located in a heavily polluted area of London, yet near to the historic river Thames, this school forest will provide access to nature for children who have little green space in their daily lives. The forest will support the science curriculum for these young students, give hands-on exposure to the importance of biodiversity and give them an active role in boosting the ecological richness of the area.
Castle Green Forest
The forest will act directly on its local environment. This area is heavily polluted and an urban biodiversity desert. The denseness of the Miyawaki method allows maximum potential Co2 drawdown and pollution mitigation. The trees chosen will also be the ones that have evolved to live and even thrive in the urban environment.
Castle Green Forest II
The forest will act directly on its local environment. This area is heavily polluted and an urban biodiversity desert. The denseness of the Miyawaki method allows maximum potential Co2 drawdown and pollution mitigation. The trees chosen will also be the ones that have evolved to live and even thrive in the urban environment.
Natura Nostra Forest - East London
Natura Nostra Forest will create a tranquil and restorative spot for neighbours and offer the chance to see the return of biodiversity in action. This pocket of forest makes accessible the physical and mental wellbeing benefits of close-contact with nature. It is hoped the space will cultivate community bonds and become a recognised source of joy for all.
Eastbrook Forest
Students observe rewilding in progress and exploration of the forest will supplement the studies of both primary and secondary pupils. The dense planting of native trees will also help to reduce pollution in the air, creating a healthier atmosphere for the entire school community.
St Peter's Forest
A London school forest to combat traffic pollution
St. Peter’s Forest is the latest chapter in SUGi’s efforts to rewild industrialised East London. The school is located in the forward-thinking borough of Barking and Dagenham, one of the most polluted areas of London. Creating a Miyawaki forest here would restore the soil and create a corridor in which biodiversity can thrive.
Students will be able to observe rewilding in progress and the forest will supplement the studies of pupils at a formative time in their educational lives. Given the school is directly next to the busy Ripple Road, the planting of native trees will help to reduce pollution in the air, creating a healthier atmosphere for the entire school community.
“The Leaders of the Borough of Barking & Dagenham and SUGi have come together to create the largest Miyawaki Forest in the UK as a symbol of resilience, hope, and healing for the local community and the UK as a whole. It’s a very special moment for all of us.”
— Cllr Ashraf, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community Leadership and Engagement.
Partners in Rewilding
We embrace partners who share our vision of building biodiversity and green infrastructure. Each strategic collaboration is uniquely tailored.
We rewild with visionaries from iconic global brands to sustainable start ups, from city officials to pioneering designers, architects, and artists.
