Hundreds of volunteers, including children as young as four, gathered to plant 1,800 trees in a single day along the Mutton Brook in East Finchley. The initiative created three new ‘tiny forests’, each roughly the size of a tennis court. Pupils from Brookland Infant and Nursery School, Kerem Primary, Moss Hall Nursery, Brooklands Junior and Henrietta Barnett School all took part, along with local dignitaries such as the Mayor of Barnet, Councillor Tony Vourou, and Councillor Alan Schneiderman, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change.
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These compact woodlands are designed to foster biodiversity and enhance urban green space. Each forest is expected to attract up to 500 species of flora and fauna within just three years. The planting techniques vary between the sites, turning them into living laboratories to better understand tree growth, soil health, water drainage, and carbon absorption. No chemicals or fertilisers were used—only biochar, a sustainable charcoal that enriches soil quality, and young saplings sourced from the ‘forest factory’ at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire.
The project was led by environmental charity Earthwatch, which is linking the new forests with existing woodlands and wildflower meadows through newly created paths. Programme Manager Hannah Davidson highlighted how these forests contribute to the “nature in cities” movement across north London, promoting a greener and healthier urban setting. The initiative not only enhances air quality but also provides accessible natural spaces for residents.
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Councillor Schneiderman praised the community’s efforts, stating, “Everyone has turned up to help make Barnet a greener and more sustainable place.” With no artificial additives and full community participation, the project exemplifies how urban rewilding can be both environmentally impactful and socially inclusive.
