
A London Borough’s Vision of Urban Restoration
0
Forests
0
Trees
0
Square Meters
0
Native Species
SUGi is partnering with the Borough of Barking & Dagenham’s Ranger Service on a bold plan to bring nature closer to all its residents. Our collaboration began when an ambitious coalition of civic and community leaders formed to support the creation of a forest in Parsloes Park, Dagenham, to honor all the front liners and regular citizens fighting COVID-19. This historic project, known as the 'Forest of Thanks', is now the largest Miyawaki Forest in the UK and Europe.
SUGi has since created nine more Pocket Forests for the Barking & Dagenham community.
It’s our hope that with the borough’s inspired leadership, we can together rewild even more schools and neighbourhoods to make Barking & Dagenham a showcase of how to rebuild the web of life and restore health and wellness for all species and all people.

Forest of Thanks
SUGi partnered with the Borough of Barking and Dagenham to build the largest Miyawaki Forest in the UK - designated as a national priority for urban regeneration.
An ambitious coalition of civic and community leaders have come together to support the creation of a Forest of Thanks - a forest for all the front liners and regular citizens who fought COVID-19.
This visible affirmation and enduring legacy was planted in Parsloes Park, Dagenham in the fall of 2020.


Thames View Forest
Located in a heavily polluted area of London, yet near to the historic river Thames, this school forest will provide access to nature for children who have little green space in their daily lives. The forest will support the science curriculum for these young students, give hands-on exposure to the importance of biodiversity and give them an active role in boosting the ecological richness of the area.


Castle Green Forest
The forest will act directly on its local environment. This area is heavily polluted and an urban biodiversity desert. The denseness of the Miyawaki method allows maximum potential Co2 drawdown and pollution mitigation. The trees chosen will also be the ones that have evolved to live and even thrive in the urban environment.



Castle Green Forest II
The forest will act directly on its local environment. This area is heavily polluted and an urban biodiversity desert. The denseness of the Miyawaki method allows maximum potential CO2 drawdown and pollution mitigation. The trees chosen will also be the ones that have evolved to live and even thrive in the urban environment.



East London I - Natura Nostra Forest
Natura Nostra Forest will create a tranquil and restorative spot for neighbours and offer the chance to see the return of biodiversity in action. This pocket of forest makes accessible the physical and mental wellbeing benefits of close-contact with nature. It is hoped the space will cultivate community bonds and become a recognised source of joy for all.

“The Leaders of the Borough of Barking & Dagenham and SUGi have come together to create the largest Miyawaki Forest in the UK as a symbol of resilience, hope, and healing for the local community and the UK as a whole. It’s a very special moment for all of us.”
Cllr Ashraf, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community Leadership and Engagement.

East London II - Natura Nostra Forest
This is the second Natura Nostra Forest in the borough of Barking and Dagenham, an area dominated by green deserts that is in desperate need of more pockets of biodiverse native forest
As with the first Natura Nostra Forest in Parsloes Park, this second iteration - located in Eastbrook End - will be another visible demonstration of how nature and urbanisation can co-exist successfully, even in the most densely-populated metropolis.


Eastbrook Forest
Students observe rewilding in progress and exploration of the forest will supplement the studies of both primary and secondary pupils. The dense planting of native trees will also help to reduce pollution in the air, creating a healthier atmosphere for the entire school community.



St Peter's Forest
St. Peter’s Forest is the latest chapter in SUGi’s efforts to rewild industrialised East London. The school is located in the forward-thinking borough of Barking and Dagenham, one of the most polluted areas of London. Creating a Miyawaki forest here would restore the soil and create a corridor in which biodiversity can thrive.
Students will be able to observe rewilding in progress and the forest will supplement the studies of pupils at a formative time in their educational lives. Given the school is directly next to the busy Ripple Road, the planting of native trees will help to reduce pollution in the air, creating a healthier atmosphere for the entire school community.


Legacy Forest
Legacy Forest will be located in the dynamic borough of Barking and Dagenham as a living legacy for Queen Elizabeth.
In an area with a long-history of industrial activity and high levels of pollution, Legacy Forest will create a resilient biodiversity corridor, restore the soil and bring back ecological richness to a borough in desperate need of an investment in Nature.
As well as a boost for Nature, the forest will be accessible to local people where they can take in the sights and sounds of the natural world; it will be a restorative and tranquil space in the community. This living legacy will support the wellbeing of both people and planet long into the future.

Harmony Forest
An outdoor classroom of 400 Sq m has been created on the grounds of William Ford Church of England School in Dagenham.
The purpose of the project is to establish a vital ecological corridor that supports biodiversity and enhances the educational experiences of pupils. By planting native trees, we hope to see the return of a thriving, sustainable ecosystem to this barren land.
The initiative aims to promote a healthier environment for the school community and a greener landscape, reverting to what existed before.
