East London I — Natura Nostra Forest

Self-sustaining pocket forest

Planted in 2022, ‘East London I – Natura Nostra Forest’ captures the essence of a primordial forest. The ground cover plants - all self-seeded - cover the forest floor and have created a lush, verdant space, with shorter trees lining the front edge and leading into a taller, densely branched area.

As predicted, the elder (Sambucus nigra), birch (Betula pendula) and wild cherry trees (Prunus avium) are most prominent and have been most successful in the first few years of the forest’s growth. These pioneer species establish themselves quickly, dominating the young forest. Over time, we anticipate these species will be replaced as natural complexity develops through ecological succession, and they are shaded out by other longer-lasting trees that will take their place.

The forest already supports impressive biodiversity. In Autumn 2024, drone footage captured a red fox (Vulpes vulpes) resting on its boundary, sheltered by the surrounding trees. These urban foxes have learned to co-exist with people and thrive within a busy city, capitalizing on the limited green spaces, parks and gardens available.

This forest offers an additional patch of territory, safe from the busy London roads and pavements, where the foxes can find shelter and create their dens. Birdlife is also abundant, with sparrows eating fruits of the elder trees and self-seeded wildflowers. The local community has commented on the transformation of the space, appreciating its new greenery and enhanced appeal compared to the bare playing field that was there before.