Recently we visited project coordinator Ian Kininmonth from Transition town Vincent to see the newly planted black cockatoo pocket forest.
The Black Cockatoo Forest is a project initiated by community group Transition Town Vincent (TTV) and supported by Dr Grey Coupland and Murdoch University, SUGi Projects , the City of Vincent and Fasera biochar. Their aim is to re-create the Black Cockatoo Forest one pocket forest at a time.
The site is an excellent example of what can be done with a small (and unused) space. With just 150 square meters volunteers were able to plant a whopping 501 seedlings in the pouring rain to create this pocket forest.
When we visited Ian was kind enough to show us the habitat in the local area and the soil health. It was amazing to see some beautiful trees and healthy soil, the entire time we were there we could hear birdsong.
The site will provide a local demonstration of how to restore above and below ground biodiversity and soil carbon using the principles developed by Dr Akira Miyawaki and adapted to Perth conditions by Dr Coupland. It will also provide a training ground for those residents and others who want to establish a pocket forest in their yard or courtyard as part of their My Healthy Soils Project.
Miyawaki Pocket Forests:
- Can be achieved with as little as 3 square metres of area
- Contain 3 to 5 native plants per square metre
- Reach maturity up to 10 times faster than traditional planting methods
This pocket forest is an amazing example of what is possible when the community comes together. From a movie night watching the documentary Black Cockatoo Crisis and a series of other environmentally focused events this amazing project was born.
This site is an amazing example of what is possible and a great case study to take to your local council to encourage more pocket forests all over Australia.
If you'd like more information on the black cockatoo forest please contact Ian info@ttv.org.au