THE first Mayawaki mini-forest of 1,300 trees in Hampshire is being planted at Adhurst allotments off Waterworks Lane in Sheet.

The innovative planting by Hampshire County Council in partnership with The Tree Council is based on the work of a Japanese ecologist.

It involves removing the turf, deep harrowing to increase the soil’s oxygen, adding compost, and then dividing the area into one-metre squares.

Three to five small trees, or ‘whips,’ are planted in each square. This dense planting is the key to fast growth.

County councillor Russell Oppenheimer of Petersfield said: “We are grateful to the fantastic volunteers and The Tree Council for joining with us to plant this new forest.

“It will help develop a beautiful green space, and has been designed to create the right conditions for wildlife.

“This pioneering Japanese method turbo-boosts growth, and we understand it is the first time it has been used in Hampshire.”

The species planted on the site next to Petersfield Community Garden include hawthorn, crab apple, hazel, sweet chestnut, hornbeam, oak and guelder rose.

It is hoped the hazel trees will entice the hazel dormouse to take up residence as it has been recorded nearby.

The work also involves dense hedgerow planting and protecting the existing bramble, a favourite food of the dormouse.

And the mini-forest at Sheet may be just the first of its kind in and around Petersfield.

Tree Council spokesman Phil Paulo said: “Using various sources of funding, we can mobilise local volunteers, or corporate groups taking time away from the office, and manage the work on a variety of sites around Petersfield.”

Pictured left to right are: Adhurst Estate Allotments Association chair Steve Amos, Tree Council CEO Sara Lom, Jon Stokes of The Tree Council, Russell Oppenheimer and Emily Roberts of Hampshire County Council Countryside Services.