Barnet’s Labour councillors have got agreement that Barnet Council will look for appropriate sites in the Borough to develop ‘tiny forests’ – densely packed forests of native trees that fit into the size of a tennis court. The proposal was raised in a member’s item by Labour councillors at last week’s Environment Committee (25 Nov), and follows work by Childs Hill Labour councillor, Anne Clarke with volunteer organisation GoodGym who are promoting the idea.
Tiny forests bring all the benefits of a forest – climate cooling, lower flood risks, biodiversity, improved air quality, and physical and mental wellbeing right into the heart of local areas. They are being planted across Europe and are being promoted in the UK by the environmental charity, Earthwatch. GoodGym Barnet is interested in fundraising and engaging the community to start a Tiny Forest project in Barnet.
Barnet Labour’s Environment spokesperson, Cllr Alan Schneiderman said: “Tiny Forests are a great idea, bringing huge environmental benefits to small spaces. I’m really excited that now we have the community, dedicated volunteers and the Council on board we can get a Tiny Forest started in Barnet.
“I’m grateful to Councillor Clarke for pushing the Tiny Forests campaign and for encouraging councillors to get behind the idea.”
Childs Hill Labour councillor, Anne Clarke said: “I was thrilled when I first heard of the idea from GoodGym volunteers. The GoodGym is a charity which promotes fitness while taking on tasks for the community. I’ve worked with their volunteers at a number of events including regular litter picking of Cricklewood’s Millennium Green, food bank volunteering and building structures at the Clitterhouse Farm. I know how hard they work, and they will make a success of the Tiny Forest.
“Thank you to Cllr Schneiderman for taking a keen interest in this idea, meeting with the volunteers with me and for his members item which is the first step towards making it a reality.”
Ends.
Notes:
- A copy of the member’s item can be found here: https://barnet.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s61265/Members%20Items.pdf