Merrist Wood College and University Centre is collaborating with Surrey County Council’s Tree Planting and Establishment Team on two on-campus projects supporting a three-year woodland creation initiative and a pioneering Miyawaki mini forest.
Supporting Surrey’s Climate Change Strategy
With a goal of carbon neutrality by 2050, Surrey County Council’s Climate Change Strategy aims to plant 1.2 million trees by 2030 – one tree for every Surrey resident. As sustainability is a key strategic driver for Activate Learning, Merrist Wood College and University Centre eagerly supports this initiative.
Student Involvement in Woodland Creation
Arboriculture, Countryside, Horticulture, and Landscape students at Merrist Wood College and University Centre have successfully planted native trees for the woodland creation project despite challenging weather conditions. Additionally, they have established a pioneering Miyawaki forest within the 430-acre college estate.
In total, nearly 3,000 native trees and shrubs have been provided by Surrey County Council’s Tree Planting and Establishment Team to support their climate change goals.
Traditional Woodland Planting Project
The traditional woodland planting project began with the planting of 250 trees, including species such as Oak, Rowan, Holly, and Hawthorn, by the college’s Level 2 and 3 students. This marks the beginning of a careful nurturing process over the next few years. The plan includes planting 250 native trees in 2025 and another 250 in 2026, benefiting successive student cohorts and maximizing their learning opportunities.
Joanne Manser, Group Director of Merrist Wood College and University Centre, stated:
“With student learning very much at the forefront of this collaboration, we are delighted to work in partnership with Surrey County Council to achieve their goal of planting 1.2 million trees by 2030.
Not only does this initiative contribute significantly to combating climate change, but it also provides our students with invaluable hands-on experience and practical knowledge in arboriculture, conservation, and sustainable practices.”
Establishing the Miyawaki Forest
Current students have also been instrumental in establishing the Miyawaki Forest, a mini forest area on the Merrist Wood estate with over 2,300 trees, including Sweet Chestnut, Hazel, Hawthorn, Holly, and Dog Rose. This is the only example of its kind in Surrey.
A Miyawaki Forest is a dense, native forest created using a method developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki. This technique involves planting a variety of native species close together, fostering rapid growth, robust structure, and biodiversity. These forests mimic natural ecosystems, growing up to ten times faster than conventional reforestation efforts. They need minimal upkeep after the initial growth phase and greatly help in absorbing carbon dioxide, improving soil quality, and cooling urban areas.
Debra Lee, Surrey County Council Ecosystem Services Manager, said:
“This is a fantastic opportunity for us to work in partnership with Merrist Wood College and University Centre to not only educate students on the benefits of tree planting but also to get closer to our target to plant 1.2 million trees by 2030.
It is great to enhance the students’ education and provide these trees, which will be a lasting legacy that they can monitor and use for on-site learning opportunities. We hope this will be the beginning of an ongoing partnership between our organizations to benefit biodiversity in Surrey.”
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