Volunteers Turn Out to Plant Eelbrook Common's Tiny Forest

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Residents and local schoolchildren lend a hand

Cllr Wesley Harcourt (front right) with Caroline Marston (top centre) and local volunteers planting Eelbrook Common's Tiny Forest

December 12, 2022

Pupils at local schools and residents have helped plant a Tiny Forest at Eelbrook Common.

The new forest in Fulham, planted on Thursday (8 December), is the third Tiny Forest in the borough. The others are in White City’s Hammersmith Park and Fulham’s Normand Park, and they all have been plated in partnership with environmental charity Earthwatch. Eelbrook Common's Tiny Forest was also supported by a donation from Marston Properties who have been based in Fulham since 1895.

The new woodland is only the size of a tennis court but is made up of around 600 native saplings and shrubs and planning for the Tiny Forest began two years ago.

Nineteen plant species were chosen for the site, including dogwood, hornbeam, broom and silver birch.

The desired height, density and wildlife habitat of the new woodland were key factors.

It’s hoped that the Tiny Forest will attract more than 500 different animal and plant species within its first three years – creating rich biodiversity in the park.

Year 3s from Fulham Bilingual Schools, planted the first third of the site.

Their hard work was added to by The Hurlingham Academy’s Year 7s and Wandsworth Bridge Nursery.

In the afternoon local residents and businesses joined Cllr Wesley Harcourt in planting the remainder of the trees.

All volunteers were kept warm with free coffee, supplied by 21Grams Coffee, and mince pies, provided by Brook House.

One of the younger volunteers on Eelbrook Common

Caroline Marston of Marston Properties said, “Eelbrook Common is close to our office and properties, so planting a woodland to celebrate our 125th anniversary back in 2020 felt like the perfect alternative,” said company chairman, Caroline Marston.

“It would also be fantastic if the forest became something that neighbours of the common could nurture and enjoy, including the local schools.”

Caroline, who has lived in the borough for almost 40 years, has volunteered as one of the four ‘keepers’ of the site who will maintain the forest as it grows.

“Our employees will also have the chance to volunteer at the forest,” added Caroline. “And we hope that as the trees grow, they’ll be able to provide huge ecological benefits to the space.”

“Every little change we can make to clean our air and support our wildlife is essential,” said Cllr Wesley Harcourt, H&F Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Ecology.

“We’re fighting against a climate and ecological emergency in H&F. And a Tiny Forest is a small change that leaves a lasting, positive impact. They’re just part of our work to make H&F the best borough to live, work and socialise in.”

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