More than 2,000 new trees have been planted across Derby as part of a project to mark the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.
Derby City Council’s Derby Parks has worked in partnership with Trees 4 Derby and local ‘Friends of’ groups to plant ‘micro woods’ at Allestree Park, Markeaton Park, Chaddesden Park, Vicarage Road Recreation Ground and Normanton Park.
The project was funded by the Coronation Living Heritage Fund, made available through Defra’s Nature for Climate fund, set up to support local tree planting initiatives in commemoration of the Coronation of King Charles.
Councillor Ndukwe Onuoha, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Streetpride, Public Safety and Leisure, said:
These new micro woods will not only bring joy and improve the well-being of residents for generations, but they’ll also significantly boost our local natural environment.
We’re incredibly proud of what’s been created, and I want to extend a huge thank you and congratulations to everyone who has contributed.
The Coronation tree planting initiative, unveiled in 2023, aligns with His Majesty’s interest in nature. The King held a number of patronages for wildlife and conservation charities during his time serving as the Prince of Wales.
The initiative has seen local authorities across England create green spaces and connect communities with nature as a permanent reminder of the Coronation, through the establishment of new community orchards and micro woodlands in urban areas.
New trees in one of the micro woods
Micro woods, also known as Miyawaki Forests, are planted using a method developed by Japanese botanist Dr Akira Miyawaki. The technique involves densely planting a variety of native species to mimic the rapid regeneration seen in natural forests.
A key advantage of Miyawaki Forests is their accelerated growth rate, which can be up to ten times faster than conventionally planted woodlands. After the initial few years, these mini-forests require minimal maintenance, making them a sustainable solution for urban greening.
Beyond their rapid growth, micro woods offer significant environmental benefits. They efficiently absorb carbon from the atmosphere, contribute to stormwater management, and create vital habitats that support local wildlife.
While the Miyawaki method was originally designed for restoring degraded or deforested land, it has been adapted for Derby's native climate and tree species, proving resilient to the challenges of urban tree planting.