In this project, we have trialled the Miyawaki method of forest generation. We have experimented with several variations of this method while planting a native forest in the townland of Ballycleary, situated between Kinvara and Ballinderreen.
Project Background
The Miyawaki method was devised by renowned Japanese Professor of Botany, Akira Miyawaki. Upon learning about the remarkable results achieved using this approach, including in temperate climates such as the Netherlands, Belgium and France, we thought it would be very valuable to trial the Miyawaki method in an Irish setting. This method claims to grow natural, self-sustaining forests 10 times faster than by natural succession, providing 20–100 times more biodiversity and 30 times more carbon-sequestration than monoculture woodlands. Given that scientists warn that we have less than 9 years in which to reverse the climate and biodiversity crises, we felt we could not ignore the possibilities offered by this method. Therefore, our trial compares variations of this method with established best practice for planting small woodland plots by community groups in Ireland.
Ballycleary Miyawaki Project
The project moved forward in 2020 when Joe Gormley, a local landowner, provided the land where the trial could take place. The site is located in Trealla, in the townland of Ballycleary, situated between Kinvara and Ballinderreen. We divided the site into four plots and designed an experiment, whereby each plot has been planted using a different methodology. In this way, we are trialling the Miyawaki method and comparing it to traditional planting styles. We hope to discover which planting technique works best in the West of Ireland.
Getting the Trees
Kinvara–Ballinderreen Tree Gang successfully applied to ‘Trees on the Land’ – a fantastic organisation that helps community groups, schools and farmers to plant trees. We are very grateful to Trees on the Land for all their expertise and support in the planning stage and for supplying the trees. We would not have come this far without their support. Trees on the Land has also helped provide fencing to protect the trees during the early stages of their development.
Experiment design
Ballycleary Miyawaki Project Experiment Design
Preparing the Site
The Miyawaki method involves site preparation and soil enrichment prior to planting. Many inputs such as soil, manure, hay and straw were sourced to enrich the site. We used a mixture of machinery and elbow grease to prepare the site. Again, we would like to thank the dedicated volunteers who give up their valuable time to help the project. We are also very grateful to Christy Helebert, Alan Bermingham and Roy Bermingham (Kinvara Nature Sanctuary) for their composted manure, and to Joe for manure, straw and soil.
Planting and Species
In December of 2021 and January of 2022, we planted the following native species on the site: Pedunculate Oak, Burren Scots Pine, Birch, Alder, Goat willow, Wild Cherry, Rowan, Hawthorn, Spindle, Hazel, Holly, Crab Apple, Guelder Rose. Most of the trees (approximately 2000) were planted during our big planting day, on the 18th of December. The event was a great success!
