NANTES, FRANCE

IME Val Lorie

A green lung for kids within a high density industrial area.

IME Val Lorie is a Medical Education Institute for young people with intellectual disabilities, located in the west of France in a high density industrial area.

MiniBigForest, teachers and families are partnering to create a natural dense forest: a “green lung” to address the negative impacts of the surrounding environment and bring back more nature within the school.

Using the Miyawaki method, we plant with kids, teachers, families sharing naturalistic values and skills, and also train MiniBigKeepers to take care of the urban forest.

Forest Maker MiniBig Forest

Rewild forest ecosystems in Nantes, France.

540

Trees

180

Square Meters

Native Species

The site of IME Val Lorie forest in Nantes, France

The pocket forest after 2 years growth

“MiniBigForest, teachers and families are partnering to create a natural dense forest: a “green lung” to address the negative impacts of the surrounding environment and bring back more nature within the school.”

— Stephanie Saliou

Forest Report: 1.5 Years

DATE: 21.08.2021

Survival Rate: 85%

Tallest Tree: 400cm

The Alder tree (Alnus glutinosa) is by far the best growing, with a height of 400cm measured on some trees. Beech trees (Fagus sylvatica) are currently slowest growing, on average 30cm in height. Birch trees (Prunus avium) are also doing well, measuring on average 250cm.

15% are estimated to have failed over 18 months but overall this small ecosystem is doing remarkably well. The Oaks were impacted by powdery mildew generated by a very wet spring and summer season. The Pear trees seem a little slow growing and their leaves are showing some deformations. The area close to the car park is experiencing more marked growth than that on the edge of the hedge already present. A herbaceous layer is developing naturally with a marked dominance of the Cinquefoil (Potentilla reptans), a bio-indicator of rather humid soils (which explains the beautiful growth of alders). The Cinquefoil is also a pioneer that will recolonize disturbed environments.

As the trees have reached a good size and are no longer in direct competition with the herbaceous layer, no other weeding actions will be planned, with the exception of small pockets located at the foot of the still very small trees, such as Beech.