Maidstone Borough Council’s Parks and Open Spaces Team has unveiled exciting plans to transform an underused open space in Midley Close, Allington, into a vibrant new food forest and tiny forest, drawing inspiration from the pioneering Japanese ‘Miyawaki method’.
This ambitious project aims to bring nature, sustainable food production, and a thriving wildlife haven closer to the local community. The heart of this initiative lies in the adoption of the Miyawaki method, developed by renowned Japanese botanist and plant ecologist Dr. Akira Miyawaki.
This innovative technique replicates natural forest regeneration, fostering rapid growth of dense, native woodland. These “tiny forests” are celebrated for their rich biodiversity, with trees planted in close proximity and carefully selected mixes to encourage swift development, deep rooting, and a natural, layered structure. In just a few short years, these areas evolve into flourishing ecosystems, supporting a diverse array of birds, insects, fungi, and mammals.
Beyond wildlife, they also offer significant environmental benefits, improving air quality and providing a welcome cooling effect on the local environment.
Complementing this ecological marvel, the new food forest will feature a bounty of edible native and heritage species. Imagine enjoying crab apples, damsons, mulberries, hazel, rhubarb, and wild strawberries, all planted together as a single, harmonious stand.
This dedicated space isn’t just about enhancing local wildlife; it will also provide unique, hands-on opportunities for residents to connect with nature and engage directly in food production.
The project strategically incorporates a Miyawaki plot of mixed native trees and native hedging, including dogwood, hazel, field maple, and crab apple, along the sloped perimeters. These will serve as crucial wildlife corridors, promoting ecological connectivity and significantly improving both soil health and resilience. The natural slope will artfully divide existing recreational lawn areas from the newly designated rich habitat zones, creating a space where both people and wildlife can harmoniously coexist.
This innovative project promises to be a significant asset for the Allington community, fostering biodiversity, promoting sustainable living, and offering a unique opportunity to connect with the natural world right on their doorstep.
The Midley Close Tiny Food Forest represents MBC’s commitment to enhancing green spaces, promoting biodiversity, and fostering stronger community ties through environmental stewardship.