At ECS, we are committed to restoring degraded forests by planting a diverse mix of native tree species. We work closely with specialists to identify the optimal species for each site, taking into account factors like climate, soil conditions, and existing flora and fauna.
Over the next 10 years, our plan remains the same, to plant over 100,000 trees. With additional support, we hope to expand this effort to plant over 1 million trees, creating expansive new areas of thriving, biodiverse forest.
By prioritizing diversity in our reforestation projects, we aim to not only regrow forest cover but to establish resilient, self-sustaining ecosystems that can withstand environmental challenges being faced in sothern Spain especialy in cork forests which are being decimated and why we have so much reclaimed Quercus suber in stock from dead trees.
ECS tries to incorporate the Miyawaki forest method when possible which is a proven technique for rapidly restoring native forests and enhancing biodiversity. Developed by Japanese botanist Dr. Akira Miyawaki, this method focuses on creating dense, multi-layered forests using native species. Here’s how the Miyawaki method works, and why we like it so much at ECS and try to integrate it into our ecosystem recovery efforts:
Key Principles of the Miyawaki Forest Method
1. Use of Native Species
– Only indigenous tree and plant species that naturally occur in the specific area are used. This ensures the forest is well-adapted to local conditions and supports native wildlife.
2. High-Density Planting
– Trees and plants are planted very close together, typically 2-4 different types per square meter. This dense planting mimics natural forest regeneration and promotes rapid growth through competition for sunlight.
3. Multi-Layered Structure
– The forest is designed with four distinct layers: canopy trees, sub-canopy trees, shrubs, and ground-covering herbs. This structure recreates the natural complexity of mature forests.
4. Soil Preparation
– The soil is enriched with organic matter, nutrients, and beneficial microorganisms to create an optimal growing environment. This step is crucial for the healthy establishment of the forest.
5. Biodiversity
– A wide variety of native species (up to 40 different species) are planted together. This encourages natural competition, symbiotic relationships, and the development of a self-sustaining ecosystem.
6. Mulching
– A layer of mulch is applied to retain soil moisture, suppress weed growth, and enhance soil fertility. This helps young plants establish more quickly.
7. Minimal Maintenance
– After the initial 2-3 years of care, the forest becomes self-sustaining with minimal human intervention. This reduces long-term maintenance costs and efforts.
8. Rapid Growth
– The method aims to accelerate forest development, creating mature, biodiverse forests in 20-30 years instead of the typical 150-200 years.
Benefits of the Miyawaki Method
– Enhanced Biodiversity: Supports a wide range of plant and animal species.
– Improved Carbon Sequestration: Dense forests capture more carbon dioxide, helping mitigate climate change and helping us increase our carbon credits.
– Better Air and Soil Quality: Trees improve air quality and enhance soil health through natural processes.
– Local communities in planting and maintaining forests, fostering environmental stewardship.
By incorporating these principles, the Miyawaki forest method can significantly contribute to the restoration of diverse ecosystems, providing long-term ecological and social benefits, especially in dry arid areas due to the fast development of microclimates. However special attention needs to be paid to fire risk management.
Interested?
Occasionally, we offer plots featuring an Eco House on the outskirts of private forest estates to help fund our projects. These plots are limited in availability, and currently, all of them are reserved. However, if you are passionate about environmental conservation, enjoy natural beauty and have the ability to get away from everything we encourage you to sign up to be notified when we release our next batch of second home plots on the edge of a private forest estate.
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