MINI boost for Tiny Forest initiative

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Think globally, act locally. MINI is setting a sustainable example partnering with Earthwatch Europe and their "Tiny Forest" initiative: Even small projects can make a big difference and inspire people to act responsibly.

Munich. Using small spaces creatively: This approach has been firmly anchored in MINI's DNA for more than 60 years. Together with the non-profit organisation Earthwatch Europe, MINI Great Britain is supporting the sustainable "Tiny Forest" initiative and continuing its commitment to urban green spaces and boosting biodiversity. MINI has funded and planted its first “Tiny Forest”, near to a MINI production site in Swindon, England. With this partnership, MINI wants to raise awareness for local environmental projects and call for a responsible approach to nature. The next MINI Tiny Forest will be planted near the home of the MINI Plant in Oxford in 2022.

Sharing knowledge, inspiring people
"Tiny Forests provide rich opportunities for connecting young and old alike with the environment and sustainability," explains Louise Hartley, Tiny Forest Officer at Earthwatch Europe: “It´s vital that we give people the knowledge and skills to protect our natural world and inspire them to take positive action. We are delighted to be working with MINI UK to bring these inspiring spaces to Swindon and Oxford."

An accessible MINI ecosystem

Like the all-electric MINI, “Tiny Forests” are very impressive due to their enormous efficiency in a small space: 600 indigenous trees are planted especially close to each other on the area of a tennis court and allowed to grow in a completely natural way. The result: up to 30 percent more density, up to ten times faster growth and up to thirty times better absorption of carbon dioxide. This, in turn, will attract more than 500 animal and plant species over the next three years and transform the "Tiny Forest" into an accessible mini-ecosystem.

"MINI are really excited to partner with Earthwatch Europe to plant Tiny Forests in our local communities and across the UK," says David George, Director MINI Great Britain and Ireland: "For over 61 years we have made cars using resources responsibly and to maximum effect. Our shared values of sustainability and bringing people together is what makes this such a great partnership."

Thanks to the active support of knowledge-hungry students and helpers, Earthwatch Europe will collect a lot of data in the "Tiny Forest" over the next two years to learn more about topics such as carbon absorption, thermal comfort, biodiversity and the social benefits of such green spaces in an urban area. The focus is always on cooperating with local institutions.