600 trees planted in Cator Park in Beckenham

600 trees and shrubs were planted at Cator Park, with the support of The Friends of Cator Park and Alexandra Recreation Ground.

Cator Park, located in Beckenham, features three grassed areas, along with tennis courts, a children’s playground and picnicking areas, within a short walk of Penge West station.

The project, dubbed a “tiny forest”, is part of a bid to improve the greenspace and follows on from a fundraising appeal in which £37,000 was raised, along with match funding from the Save Our Wild Isles Community Fund and Aviva Community Fund, plus an additional £5,000 from Bromley Council.

600 trees and shrubs have been planted (Image: Bromley Council)

A tiny forest is described as a densely planted, fast growing native woodland the size of a tennis court and the concept was first developed in the 1970s by Japanese botanist Dr Akira Miyawaki.

Over 200 of them have already been planted across the UK by charity Earthwatch Europe with this venture being the latest to be added to the growing list.

Millie Knight from Friends of Cator Park and Alexandra Recreation Ground said: “It’s been so brilliant to plant this forest alongside so many residents who passionately care about our greenspace. 

“We are looking forward to watching this forest develop and will be nurturing and caring for it along the way. 

“You would be most welcome to join our group and please do go online and make contact with us.”

The Mayor of Bromley lent his support to the planting (Image: Bromley Council)

The planting event on Saturday, February 24 was also joined by the Mayor of Bromley, Councillor Mike Botting who was on hand to show his support, and Councillor Will Rowlands, Executive Councillor for Environment.

The Mayor of Bromley, Councillor Mike Botting, said: “The planting support and absolute passion to care with this much-loved greenspace was great to see and to be part of. 

“If you feel inspired by this, I would encourage you to make yourself known and join the brilliant Friends of Cator Park and Alexandra Recreation Ground.”

The Mayor of Bromley praised the absolute passion of the planting team (Image: Bromley Council)

Grace Gale, Project Manger at Earthwatch Europe, said that the new development would support local biodiversity in the area, as the charity continues to work to help create greener cities across Europe.

Grace Gale, Project Manager at Earthwatch Europe, who are responsible for maintaining the Tiny Forest as it establishes itself, said: “This is such an inspiring story that will support local biodiversity and benefit future generations.

“This Tiny Forest is part of our Nature in Cities work through which we help to create greener, healthier cities and improve access to nature rich spaces.

“We will provide the community with the resources, tools and confidence to help monitor how their local Tiny Forest develops.”