Welcome to the Watson Community Micro-forest Project.
Our mission is to create an urban oasis in Watson to combat climate change, strengthen our community, and re-connect people to nature.
The Watson Micro-forest Draft Landscape Sketch Plan is here!
The Landscape Sketch Plan features patches of densely planted vegetation (the ‘micro-forests’), a medium-sized open area surrounded by boulder and timber bench seating which could serve as a forest classroom or other gathering space, natural play elements (including a timber boardwalk, stepping logs, ‘campsite’, dry creek bed, angled climbing ladder, concrete tunnel, and shop-front), deciduous trees for winter sun and summer shade, a picnic bench, timber seating and informal rock seating, bush food feature gardens, and pollinator beds.
An urban oasis in Watson
The Watson Micro-forest will help cool our suburb, increase habitat for native animals, absorb carbon, and provide an attractive, safe and comfortable place for kids and adults to meet, play and relax. The forest will consist of around 1,500 beautiful, climate-resilient native plants. Clever landscaping will improve the soil and naturally retain water, reducing the need for irrigation. The design will feature a ‘forest classroom’ and give Indigenous culture a central place. With more funding, we can integrate a creative nature playscape for children, build an app for community resources, add seating, signage and more!
A proudly community led and funded project
Working with our key partner The Climate Factory, and inspired by the Downer Micro-Forest Project, the Watson Microforest will be crowd-funded and people powered. You are invited to participate in the micro-forest design, planting, use and care. By getting involved you can learn new skills, meet your neighbours and have fun! And if you’re time poor, donating funds is the perfect way to contribute and still enjoy the benefits.
“It seems to me that the natural world is the greatest source of excitement; the greatest source of visual beauty; the greatest source of intellectual interest. It is the greatest source of so much in life that makes life worth living.”
— David Attenborough
Our Partners
The Climate Factory empowers communities to convert urban 'wastelands' into vibrant, diverse, revegetated spaces.
Promoting inclusiveness in Watson ACT
All Play Inner North is a group of North Canberra locals campaigning for better play and recreation spaces.
Keep in touch…
Sign up to be the first to know about our community get togethers, plantings and working bees. We will only email you about events and key project milestones.