05 August 2024
Ashdale Primary School students and staff are now seeing the forest for the trees as they unveil an innovative urban greening project.
Ashdale Primary School is the latest WA school to have planted a Miyawaki forest thanks to researcher Dr. Grey Coupland, Murdoch University, and The Harry Butler Institute in a bid to transform urban landscapes, restore ecosystems, and increase biodiversity.
Ashdale Primary School students took part in the tree planting day.
The Miyawaki forest methodology, devised by Japanese botanist Professor Akira Miyawaki, involves high-density, multi-layered mini forests comprised of diverse native species on a small area of land.
Miyawaki forests have four layers – canopy, tree, subtree, and shrub – which creates structural diversity, fosters habitats for wildlife species, and promotes overall ecological resilience.
Dr Coupland, who introduced the concept to WA, engages schools and students in the planting and monitoring of Miyawaki forests.
The program instils a sense of pride and ownership for the students, while also teaching them about sustainable practices.
As the forest matures, students monitor it by collecting data on plant growth, animal diversity, and soil and air temperature.
Speaking to ABC Perth, Ashdale Primary School year three teacher Cymbie Burgoyne said the project provided students with a real-world learning opportunity.
“What I really like about this is that it’s a bit like citizen science. They’re working with real life scientists and they're working in academically rigorous ways,” Ms Burgoyne told the ABC.
“It's an outdoor classroom — they're being immersed in nature and the more they are immersed in nature, the more they care about it.
“Students are seeing a real purpose for what they’re learning and its application and that always makes a difference.”