Climate, Community & Micro-Forests: Plymouth’s Climate Mingle

As an architect, sustainability is always front of mind. Architecture plays a direct role in shaping how we live and how we respond to climate challenges. Sometimes that responsibility sits in large-scale decisions, like re-using existing buildings, but it’s also in the details: selecting natural materials over petrochemical products, reducing reliance on cars, or designing with long-term environmental performance in mind.

Project 96 & The Power of Micro-Forests

Bethan from SocieTree introduced Project 96—an initiative aiming to plant 96 urban micro-forests across Plymouth, with a particular focus on primary schools.

These forests are planted using the Miyawaki method, creating highly dense, fast-growing ecosystems. The benefits are significant:

• Rapid carbon sequestration

• Increased biodiversity

• Strong root systems that improve water retention

• Opportunities for education and community engagement
  

SocieTree has already delivered projects in local primary schools and at Beaumont Park, with ambitions to expand further across the city.

Beyond Planting: Rethinking the City

The discussion extended beyond tree planting into broader ideas around green infrastructure—particularly how micro-forests could contribute to urban cooling, biodiversity, and sustainable drainage systems (SuDS).

It sparked conversations about green corridors, city-centre planting, and how underused spaces might be reimagined. One thought that stuck with me: could somewhere like Derrys Cross roundabout become part of this network?

I was personally shocked to hear that in 2023, 1 in 5 children in Plymouth did not own a book. It highlighted the wider disconnect within the city, and reinforced how initiatives like Project 96 are about more than just ecology; they’re about access, education, and community.

Final Thoughts

Whilst I had, admittedly attended with an ulterior motive to see the zoo, it was an inspiring evening, full of practical ideas and positive action at a local level. A big thank you to Plymouth Climate Mingle, Dartmoor Zoo, SocieTree for hosting and sharing their work.

Meerkat babies

Micro Forest at Dartmoor Zoo, 1200 trees planted!