Help us create an urban oasis in Watson
“A micro-forest is a dense pocket of vegetation, an urban sanctuary designed to cool the landscape and return native species to the suburbs.” – Edwina Robinson, The Climate Factory
A cooler, more attractive and bio-diverse suburb
The Watson Micro-forest will provide habitat for native wildlife, absorb carbon, and offer a shady and inviting place for locals to meet, play and relax. This oasis will reduce the urban heat island effect, lowering the temperature by up to 6 degrees! The park will be more useful, and the surrounding area more valuable.
Wild play
Being in nature has enormous benefits for physical and mental health - and is especially important for children. With the help of iconic playscape architect Paul Barnett, we hope to integrate a playscape for kids to build skills and confidence through ‘wild play’ and deepen their connection with nature.
Hands-on learning
Volunteers will learn about native habitats and clever landscape design through community consultations, local signage and hands-on learning. We want the Micro-forest to feature a ‘forest classroom’ and hope to give Indigenous culture a central place including through bush foods and medicinal plants.
Climate resilient design
Plants will be selected to tolerate increasingly long, hot and dry summers and to be bushfire resistant. Earthworks at the site will improve the soil (while preserving existing root systems) and use water harvesting techniques to naturally retain water, reducing the need for irrigation.
Strengthening community
The Watson Micro-forest is a proudly community led project that aims to bring locals together and inspire a sense of hope for the future. This is your micro-forest and you are invited to participate at every stage - from design, to planting, use and care.