Architectural practice: SUGi
Project name/title: Forest of Thanks
Client name: Borough of Barking and Dagenham
Location: Parsloes Park, Dagenham
Completion year: 2020

SUGi collaborates with a global network of forest makers to build biodiversity and regenerate urban areas by planting pocket forests using the acclaimed Miyawaki method. This method of afforestation was developed by the Japanese botanist and plant ecology expert Professor Akira Miyawaki. It draws inspiration from nature’s ecosystems to create 100% organic, dense and diverse pioneer forests in as little as 20-30 years. They grow 10x faster, are 30 x denser and contain 100x more biodiversity.

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’, for all the front liners and regular citizens who fought COVID-19. This visible affirmation and enduring legacy was planted as a symbol of hope & resilience.