Hammersmith & Fulham’s newest Tiny Forest has taken root in Shepherds Bush this week with the help of green-fingered volunteers and local residents
Shepherd’s Bush has welcomed its newest Tiny Forest, with 450 native trees planted to improve air quality and enhance local biodiversity. The initiative, led by Hammersmith & Fulham Council, saw enthusiastic participation from volunteers and residents, adding another green sanctuary to the borough.
The new Tiny Forest has been planted in Norland Open Space, near the Nourish Hub on the Edward Woods Estate. It marks the borough’s sixth micro-forest and is part of the council’s broader commitment to tackling air pollution and creating cleaner, greener spaces.
“Tiny Forests are incredible. They’re small but mighty and are helping us support local wildlife while improving the look of our parks and cleaning the air we breathe,” said Cllr Wesley Harcourt, H&F Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Ecology.
A Mini-Forest with a Big Impact
Covering an area roughly the size of a tennis court, the Tiny Forest features 16 native tree species, including sweet chestnut, holly, rowan, hornbeam, and wild cherry. The dense planting method is expected to accelerate growth, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem that will support over 500 species of plants and animals within three years.
The forest also plays a crucial role in improving air quality, with each tree helping to absorb pollutants and release cleaner oxygen. Given that 7% of deaths in Hammersmith & Fulham in 2022 were linked to air pollution, projects like these are vital for community health and environmental sustainability.
Growing a Greener Borough
This latest initiative builds on the borough’s pioneering work in urban reforestation. Hammersmith & Fulham was home to London’s first-ever Tiny Forest, planted in Hammersmith Park in 2021. Subsequent forests have been funded by local donations and businesses, with locations in Normand Park, Eelbrook Common, Frank Banfield Park, and Wormholt Park.
The project in Shepherd’s Bush was a community-driven effort, with volunteers planting the trees and enjoying refreshments provided by the Nourish Hub. With each new forest, Hammersmith & Fulham is reinforcing its commitment to a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future for residents, visitors, and wildlife alike.
