News Pioneering food forest using Japanese Miyawaki method to create wildlife haven announced for Allington
Plans for a food forest in Allington, which will adopt the pioneering Japanese 'Miyawaki method', have been announced by Maidstone Borough Council's Parks and Open Spaces Team.
The currently underused open space in Midley Close will be transformed into a vibrant tiny forest and a diverse food forest, aiming to bring nature, food, and wildlife closer to the local community.
The Miyawaki method, developed by Japanese botanist and plant ecologist Dr. Akira Miyawaki, replicates natural forest regeneration to cultivate fast-growing, dense, native woodland. These "tiny forests" are renowned for their rich biodiversity, with trees planted in close proximity and carefully selected mixes to encourage rapid growth, deep rooting, and a layered structure. Within just a few years, these areas evolve into thriving ecosystems that support a wide array of birds, insects, fungi, and mammals, while simultaneously improving air quality and offering a cooling effect on the local environment.
Complementing this, the new food forest will feature numerous edible native and heritage species, including crab apples, damsons, mulberries, hazel, rhubarb, and wild strawberries, all planted together as a single stand.
This dedicated space will not only enhance local wildlife but also provide unique hands-on opportunities for residents to engage with nature and food production.
The project includes a Miyawaki plot of mixed native trees and native hedging (such as dogwood, hazel, field maple, and crab apple) along the sloped perimeters. These will form crucial wildlife corridors, promoting ecological connectivity and significantly improving soil health and resilience. The natural slope will create a gentle division between existing recreational lawn areas and the newly designated rich habitat zones, allowing people and wildlife to harmoniously share the space.
Cllr Rachel Rodwell, Ward Councillor for Allington and Bridge, said: "We have some wonderful community groups in Allington, invested in promoting local biodiversity and encouraging us all to become curious about the natural world which sustains us.“Both Allington Wildlife Group and Allington Community Gardeners are looking forward to volunteering to establish and maintain our exciting new community resource. It’s a win for both nature and community!"
Cllr Clive English, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environmental Services and Enforcement added: “The play area at Midley Close had lost its charm, becoming a space that was difficult to enjoy, especially in hot weather. This project will breathe new life into the area, transforming it into a vibrant space that the whole community can enjoy and be proud of.”
The Midley Close Tiny Food Forest represents MBC's commitment to enhancing green spaces, promoting biodiversity, and fostering stronger community ties through environmental stewardship.