Mini Forests

Initiated 2025

First proposed in our Community Biodiversity Action Plan, mini forests are an innovative, high-impact approach to urban greening and ecosystem restoration. Modeled on the world-renowned Miyawaki method, these micro-woodlands pack thousands of native Irish trees and shrubs into compact spaces—often no larger than a tennis court.

By planting native species densely, we mimic natural forest dynamics to accelerate growth. These mini forests establish up to 10 times faster than traditional woodland plantings, transforming underused green spaces into thriving, multi-layered ecosystems within just three years.

Imagine a new, mature 100-year-old forest — in just 10 to 20 years.

Why They Make Sense for Our Community

Replacing routinely mown grass with dense native planting turns high-maintenance lawns into self-sustaining community assets.

Thriving Wildlife Corridors: Dense canopy, sub-canopy, and shrub layers create rich habitats and essential shelter for native birds, pollinators, and soil organisms.
Climate Resilience & Urban Cooling: Deep-rooted native trees manage groundwater, reduce local surface flood risks, lock up carbon, and offer natural shade during hot summer spells.
Zero Maintenance After Year 3: Once established, mini forests require no chemical weed control, no watering, and no grass cutting—becoming fully self-sustaining and cost-free to maintain.
Local Environmental Buffer: Strategically placed pockets shelter residential spaces from prevailing winds, suppress traffic noise, and provide natural privacy screens.

Proof it works - Irish Examples

Real Stepping Stone Forests sites, same planting method, shown here at different ages:

Sean Walsh Park 3 yrs 8mths

Old Bawn Community School 3 yrs 6mths

DSPCA 1yr 6mths (pre-potted trees)

Mount Carmel Park (B) 9mths

Mount Carmel Park (A) 9mths

Avonmore Road 5mths

Where could this happen in Johnstown?

Public Lawns

The estate lawns are the opportunity. Johnstown has roughly 267,000 sqm of public grass lawns (excluding roadside verges) — equivalent to 22 soccer pitches, or a 10m x 10m garden extension for every house in the estate.

These lawns currently cost residents money to maintain and give little back. Turned into Mini Forests, they become a free, green asset instead — while still leaving most of the open space untouched.

Have a lawn or green patch you think would work? Contact us — we're actively scouting sites and want to hear from residents.

We already have woodland close by

Two areas already show what mature, natural woodland does for the area:

River Boyne

A 2km stretch of native woodland along the Athlumney Riverside, part of a protected Site of Special Interest, and a focus area in our Biodiversity Action Plan.

2. Metges Road

A 10,000 sqm strip that self-seeded 30 years ago, alongside the IDA and the historic Metges Road hedge boundary. Planted using the Miyawaki method, an area this size could support 30,000–50,000 trees. It's privately owned, valued at over €1M, and has repeatedly been proposed for development.

Suggested native species

A forest has distinct layers, and the following species are well-suited on Clay in County Meath

🌳 Canopy / Large Trees

Pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) – classic Meath oak, tolerant of heavy clay.
Alder (Alnus glutinosa) – thrives in wet soils and is great for wildlife.
Downy birch (Betula pubescens) – does well in damp ground.
Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) – good mix species, tolerates varied soils.
Willows (Salix cinerea, S. caprea, S. aurita, S. viminalis) – thrive in damp clay, also fast-growing.

🌳 Medium Trees / Sub-Canopy

Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) – lightens the mix, berries for birds.
Wild cherry (Prunus avium) – does fine in clay if not too waterlogged.
Hazel (Corylus avellana) – likes heavier soils if drainage is OK.
Holly (Ilex aquifolium) – evergreen layer, shade-tolerant.

🌿Shrubs & Small Trees

Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) – excellent hedgerow species, thrives in clay.
Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) – dense thickets, good for wildlife.
Spindle (Euonymus europaeus) – colourful autumn fruits, clay-tolerant.
Elder (Sambucus nigra) – adaptable, grows well in rich clays.
Guelder rose (Viburnum opulus) – does well in damp spots.
Dog rose (Rosa canina) – a scrambling shrub that adds diversity.

🌾Ground Layer & Herbaceous

Bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) – classic native ground flora.
Wild garlic (Allium ursinum) – thrives in damp, shaded clay soils.
Ferns (Dryopteris spp., Athyrium filix-femina) – moisture-loving.
Ivy (Hedera helix) – evergreen cover.
Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) – excellent for wetter patches.

Who else is doing this

We're not starting from scratch — established Irish groups can mentor us through the process:

🌳 Stepping Stone Forests

South Dublin non-profit, 16,000+ native trees planted across 36 sites since 2022, working directly with South Dublin County Council. https://steppingstoneforests.org/

🌳 Pocket Forests

75+ pocket forests planted across Ireland, including at Trinity College Dublin and University of Galway, using saplings grown at their own nursery. dcc.ie+6Irish Examiner+6LinkedIn+6 Pocket Forests

More Groups

🌱 100 Million Trees Project

This ambitious initiative aims to plant 100 million native Irish trees over the next decade using the Miyawaki method, which involves densely planting a variety of native species to create fast-growing, biodiverse mini-forests. They've already planted over 750,000 trees at more than 100 sites, including locations like Glenstal Abbey and Áras an Uachtaráin. The project welcomes collaborations with landowners, schools, and community groups interested in hosting a mini-forest. filles-de-la-charite.org+3Forestry Services Limited+3100milliontreesproject.ie+3 RTÉ+3Forestry Services Limited+3National Catholic Reporter+3

🌿 Reforest Nation

Reforest Nation is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to restoring native forests across Ireland. They've planted over one million trees and aim to reach 10 million by 2030. Their projects often involve planting up to 27 native species, enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. Reforest Nation also supports grassroots groups and offers opportunities for individuals and businesses to contribute to reforestation efforts.

🌿 Hometree

Hometree is a charity dedicated to restoring Ireland's native woodlands. They focus on afforestation, land regeneration, and community engagement to promote biodiversity and sustainability. fairycouncil.ie+1Ireland+1

🌱 Gaelic Woodland Project

This non-profit organisation aims to expand existing woodlands and create new ones across Ireland. They emphasize the importance of using local seed sources and adhering to ecological best practices, particularly when implementing methods like the Miyawaki technique. Gaelic Woodland Project

🌳 Wolfgang Reforest

Wolfgang Reforest is committed to reforesting Ireland by planting native broadleaf trees. They have successfully established Ireland's first Miyawaki forest, demonstrating the potential of dense, biodiverse planting methods in the Irish context. Wolfgang Reforest+1Wolfgang Reforest+1

🌲 Easy Treesie

Easy Treesie is a climate action initiative aiming to plant a million trees with schoolchildren and their communities across Ireland. They collaborate with various partners to distribute saplings and promote environmental education. Wikipedia

🌼 Tree Council of Ireland

Established in 1985, the Tree Council of Ireland is a non-profit organisation that promotes the planting, establishment, and conservation of trees and woodlands throughout the country. They act as an umbrella group, bringing together bodies with a shared interest in trees. Wikipedia

🌳 South Dublin County Council – Mini Woodlands

South Dublin County Council is actively identifying suitable locations to plant mini woodlands as part of enhancing green infrastructure corridors. These projects are organised in collaboration with local councillors and community members, emphasizing the importance of volunteer support. SDCC

🌱 MINI Ireland & Earthwatch Europe – Tiny Forest Initiative

In partnership with Earthwatch Europe, MINI Ireland launched the country's first "Tiny Forest" at the Tolka River Project in Dublin. This initiative involved planting nearly 600 indigenous trees in a compact urban space, showcasing how small-scale forests can thrive in city environments. MINI Ireland+1Una City+1

Watch

Mini Forests explained

Irish example in action

Our Proposals

We invite our community to be part of a collaborative, forward-thinking project that will leave a meaningful and lasting legacy. Help us reimagine Johnstown's estate lawns as a series of neighbourhood Biodiversity Parks.