Pocket Forests WA

Where restoration, science and people connect

About Pocket Forests WA

We plant Miyawaki forests or 'pocket' forests as part of a dedicated science program run from the Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University. The research investigates the ecology and restoration potential of pocket forests in the Australian context.

As part of the program we also engage citizen scientists through a dedicated science outreach program that is one of the 150 UNESCO "Green Citizens" programs. The outreach program brings pocket forests into schools where the children plant their very own Miyawaki forest right in their school grounds. 

Following planting, the students monitor their pocket forests every month with the Harry Butler Institute ‘Team Forest’, becoming citizen scientists and hopefully inspiring the next generation of scientists and eco-warriors. Team Forest is lead by program lead, ecologist and urban forest maker, Dr Grey Coupland.

A variety of locally native plants ready for planting the Miyawaki forest.
Students planting the first Miyawaki forest in Western Australia and the first at a school in Australia.
A student planting the Miyawaki forests located at South Padbury Primary School.
Group of children and adults planting seedlings in a garden during daytime. Children wear red hats and uniforms, some are kneeling or standing, working with soil and plants.
Young boy planting a small tree in a garden, smiling and wearing gardening gloves, with other children and adults working in the background.
A young boy planting a small tree in the soil during a community outdoor event, with other people in blue jackets and black hats planting trees in the background.
A young girl wearing a maroon hat and jacket, smiling while planting grass seed in a garden on a sunny day.
Children planting their Miyawaki or pocket forest in soil especially prepared to ensure plants have the optimal conditions for growth.

Chinese Proverb

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”

Our partners are extremely important and help us accomplish our goals.

Murdoch University logo with stylized text in red and black

Pocket Forests WA and the Miyawaki Forest Research and Outreach Program are run through the Harry Butler Institute at Murdoch University. The outreach program engages schools and the community in positive climate action through hands on environmental restoration and a dedicated citizen science outreach program.

Our Partners

Text that reads 'UNESCO GREEN CITIZENS' in bold, blue, handwritten-style font on a black background.

Pocket Forests WA is a proud to be recognised as one of 150 UNESCO ‘Green Citizens’ projects globally, through the UNESCO ‘Green Citizens’ campaign.

Logo of Carbon Positive Australia, featuring a colorful abstract geometric design and the text 'Carbon Positive Australia'.
The image features a colorful, altered photo of a bee with rainbow-colored wings and a green body, placed beside entrance doors to a modern office building.

We are proud to partner with SUGi and previously with Carbon Positive Australia who are our forest funding partners. They provide funding that enables us to get the forests in the ground 🌱