Abstract
Miyawaki forests are becoming increasingly popular for greening and enhancing biodiversity in our urban landscapes. These forests offer an alternative to traditional methods of urban greening and have the capacity to provide the multifaceted benefits associated with urban forests at a more rapid rate. As part of a Miyawaki Forest Program at Murdoch University, 15 Miyawaki forests have been planted in the south-west of Australia, a Mediterranean climate. Forests planted as part of this program are restoring small pockets of the endangered woodlands plant community. Plantings are based on research adapting the methodology to suit the region’s unique plant species and environment. The survivorship and growth rate of plants is recorded in these forests and compared with adjacent plantings using traditional methods for reforestation. Biodiversity and abundance of soil organisms in these forests and in nearby bushland are assessed using eDNA and soil respiration rates. Citizen scientist data are also gathered by school children involved in the outreach aspects of the program. Results to date indicate rapid growth of Miyawaki forests in the Australian context, and that these forests can be biodiversity havens and a valuable tool for bringing biodiversity into our cities.</span></p>