Microforest - its importance and impact on Scania’s cities in the future

Summary

The essay has evaluated microforests planted with the Miyawaki method, created by the Japanese Akira Miyawaki, to see if it is possible to use it in a Scanian urban context. Three different concepts have been developed through literature, a field study and interviews where microforests are tested for use in residential yards, school yards and larger office and industrial areas. The pros and cons of microforests in Scanian cities have been discussed based on experiential values and ecosystem services. The Miyawaki method was originally used for reforestation in Japan and involves creating dense plantings of native secondary species to benefit biodiversity. The density means that the trees grow and reach a climax stage faster and no maintenance should be required after three years. Interviews with professionals in the green industry made it clear that in cities higher demands are placed on experiential values and aesthetics. In order for the forest to be considered attractive, management and maintenance will have to be carried out. Västerskog in Alnarp is managed with creative management to create experiential values. The Miyawaki method is suitable for places where the ecological values are important and the aesthetic ones are less important. For other places in the city where people live their everyday life, the model for Västerskog is more suitable based on the fact that it combines the ecological values with the aesthetic ones. Microforests can be a part of the solution to help Scanian cities deal with future climate changes, promote biological diversity and have a positive impact on people’s well-being in urban environments by being integrated into municipalities’ green plans. The microforest can be seen as a strategy to achieve the 3-30-300 principle and be integrated into the LOD for stormwater management. An increase in nature in the cities is important for children’s well-being and understanding of nature, which in turn can lead to a greater interest in nature as an adult.