Maxime Grelier is a lover of nature and forests.
He is the founder of Permafforest and has already guided more than a hundred people to create a Miyawaki microforest on their land thanks to innovative reforestation techniques.
But I had him explain to us what a microforest is and present its benefits and advantages.
Good reading,
Gilles
What is a micro forest?
A microforest is a forest planted according to the Miyawaki method, a world-renowned Japanese botanist, on an area of at least 100m².
This method aims to quickly recreate ancient forest ecosystems in all types of locations: wasteland, wasteland, gardens, parking lots, lawns, etc.
Inspired by the functioning of a primary forest, this method of afforestation has been implemented in many countries around the world. This technique is based on the selection and subsequent planting of native plant species, after suitable tillage, which allows the creation of a rapidly self-sufficient microforest.
The reconstruction of “native micro-forests by native trees”, makes it possible to create in 20 to 30 years real small forests with multiple layers, rich, dense and effectively protective, where natural evolution that would allow the presence of certain species 200 years in a temperate country and 300 to 500 years in a tropical zone.
The recolonization of a disturbed environment – for example after human activity or a natural disaster – goes through several stages: from the pioneer stage to the stable final stage of the climax. Each of which can span several decades.
The Miyawaki method tries to speed up the process by mimicking the normal composition of primary forest and ‘bypassing’ the different phases of ecological succession.
Benefits and benefits
Due to the plant density, this method makes it possible to recreate micro forests on reduced surfaces. It is believed that 100 m² is enough to restore a small, rich and resilient forest ecosystem.
From there, these small islands of biodiversity can be easily introduced into urban areas.
Indeed, thanks to this method, it is quite possible to restore affected floors, even those covered with concrete. Such an asset makes it possible to promote the infiltration of run-off water, to avoid flooding, to better replenish the water tables and to avoid soil erosion!
Installed in these types of environments, they act quickly and effectively on air quality. They can significantly reduce the presence of fine particles. They also play the role of carbon storage facility, while returning a large amount of oxygen to the atmosphere.
These Miyawaki microforests also have the peculiarity of growing relatively quickly, about one meter per year. As a result, they are autonomous after two to three years and do not require any maintenance after this period.
This growth rate thus makes it possible to take advantage of windbreaks, screens or even natural noise screens in the short term. Generating an abundance of edible resources produced by different fruits. And also to act quickly for the conservation of wildlife thanks to the role of resilient and perennial islands of biodiversity these forests play.
They also act as a real temperature controller. In the summer they can lower the temperature in the immediate vicinity by a few degrees (at least 2°C). And this due to the phenomenon of evaporation of the leaves.
Planting a micro forest at home can also improve your outdoor spaces while reducing maintenance costs.
The benefits of microforests are therefore many and affect different sectors: ecological, economic and social.
Maxime Grelier
Do you want to know more?
In a free online web conference, Maxime gives you the gift of sharing with you the method, explained from A to Z, to create an autonomous microforest in just 3 years on a plot of at least 100 m².
His method is accessible to everyone, even if you don’t know anything about it and don’t have a green thumb.
By the end of this conference, you will know how to give birth to a real microforest near your home.
Free web conference: Thursday, April 21, 2022 at 8 p.m.
More than 6 days 11 hours 48 minutes 20 seconds signing up!
Click on the image to register now
