Cadogan is taking a leaf from the Chelsea Flower Show and planting its own mini forest.
The owner of 88 acres of central London has selected a 240 sq m site on Pont Street, SW1, close to Louis Vuitton’s Sloane Street store, to be transformed into a pocket-forest, with 630 native trees and shrubs from 77 species.
The project is a partnership with fashion house Louis Vuitton and will be created by SUGi, a global organisation dedicated to restoring 100% native forests in urban spaces. Cadogan said it hopes the project will help restore biodiversity, reintroduce native species and reconnect people with nature.
SUGi has created pocket-forests across the world, usually ranging in size from 1m to 3m square. It also has a number of larger projects in the UK, including the Thames View Forest in east London and the Springburn Forest in Glasgow.
“The forest will be a green space for local neighbours to find quiet moments of respite and to take in the joys of nature in a vibrant and busy city,” said Elise van Middelem, founder of SUGi. “Visitors can take in the changing colours of the trees, the aromas of the blossoms and the sound of rustling leaves. Thanks to its urban location, this forest will offer not only an individual experience but a communal one. We hope it becomes a recognised source of joy for all.”
The planting will follow the “Miyawaki” methodology, based on the work of Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, whose method encourages tree survival with little to no maintenance.
The pocket-forest will have four four “layers” – shrubs, sub-trees, trees and a canopy – with at least three trees planted per square metre. The native plants – including red campion, sessile oak and hawthorn – have been selected based on flora and fauna research, a soil survey and a vegetation report.
Chelsea’s Heritage Forest will create a forest floor dense with shrubbery and wildflowers, making an ideal habitat for at least 80 species of insect. The idea is that by using this particular variety of native species, the forest will require less maintenance and watering, removing the need for pesticides and artificial plant foods.
While the plants will require a little help to start with, the project should become self-sustaining within three years. Cadogan said that it is a “blossoming example of urban rewilding and ecological sustainability”, which it hopes will inspire similar projects.
“This forest is certainly a complementary contrast to the 15 acres of more manicured gardens across the estate,” said Cadogan CEO Hugh Seaborn, adding that it would form part of the landlord’s plans to make Sloane Street a “dramatically greener boulevard”.
“It is vital that we try new opportunities to accelerate positive change and we believe this will be a beautiful and necessary addition, while offering inspiration for many similar opportunities.”
Louis Vuitton said it was committed to contributing to the local communities in which it operates. An internal positive impact committee has been created to lead projects such as this one.
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