750 trees planted in new micro forest for Wellingborough

19 March 2025

A new micro forest has been established in Wellingborough, following a collaborative effort that saw 750 native trees planted at Castlefields Park last week.

North Northamptonshire Council partnered with Tomorrow’s Forests and were assisted by dedicated volunteers from the Wellingborough Eco Group, to bring this ambitious project to life. 

The volunteers helped undertake the planting effort, supported by council officers and staff from Tomorrow’s Forests who provided expert advice and practical demonstrations on tree planting techniques and aftercare.

This initiative was made possible through funding awarded as part of the Coronation Living Heritage Fund which was established to mark the Coronation of King Charles III. The funding has covered essential materials, resources and aftercare to help the micro forest establish and thrive for future generations.

The council has been awarded £27,765 for the project, which also includes two other micro forests planted last year—one at Croyland Primary School in Wellingborough and the other in Kettering. The funding has been allocated for the careful selection and preparation of the sites, as well as the ongoing maintenance of the trees over the next three years.

A Micro Forest is a dense, fast-growing native woodland, about the size of a tennis court, using the methods pioneered by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki. Dense planting speeds up growth, increases resilience and improves survival rates of the woodland, producing a fully efficient woodland in 20 years, compared to the usual 100 years.

Micro Forests not only provide a home for butterflies, birds, bees and other wildlife, but also offer a space for people to connect with and learn about nature. Additionally, they help improve air quality and reduce pollution in urban areas.

Tree planting schemes like this one also enables volunteers to get directly involved and make a difference in their community. Community groups, volunteers and schools will assist with the future maintenance of the Castlefields Park micro forest.

We’re thrilled to be part of this incredible project, bringing 750 native trees to Castlefields Park and creating a vibrant green space right in the heart of Wellingborough. In busy urban areas, access to nature is so important - not just for wildlife, but for people too. This new micro forest can help tackle the impacts of poor air quality, provide more shade, and become a peaceful space for the community to enjoy.

By using the Miyawaki method, the trees will grow quickly, creating a rich habitat for birds, bees, and other wildlife. It’s been fantastic to see local volunteers getting involved, and we can’t wait to watch this space flourish for generations to come.
Anna Leveridge, Forester at Tomorrow's Forests.

One of the great benefits of this type of woodland creation is how quickly its positive impacts can be seen. It provides essential habitats for wildlife, helps reduce our carbon footprint, improves air quality and creates a valuable space for the local community to enjoy.

Community planting events have been instrumental in achieving this scale of planting and I’d like to thank the volunteers who took part in this fantastic initiative. The newly planted micro forest at Castlefields Park will stand as a lasting tribute to the Coronation year, leaving a legacy for generations to come.
George Candler, the council’s Executive Director of Place and Economy.