Grey Coupland

This program investigates and facilitates the use of Miyawaki forests or 'pocket' forests for ecological restoration and urban greening as part of a dedicated science program run from the Harry Butler Institute at Murdoch University. The research investigates the ecology and restoration potential of pocket forests in the Australian context.

The program also engages citizen scientists through a dedicated science outreach program that is recognised as one of the 150 "Green Citizens" programs by UNESCO. The outreach program brings pocket forests into schools where the children plant their very own Miyawaki forest right in their school grounds. As part of the outreach program, the children monitor their pocket forests every month with program lead, and Team Forest Staff from the Harry Butler Institute, becoming citizen scientists and hopefully inspiring the next generation of scientists and eco-warriors. 

There are currently 22 forests planted as part of this program in Perth and surrounds since the program's inception in 2022.