06 November 2026
Students are rolling up their sleeves and putting on their gardening gloves to transform urban grounds into Japanese Miyawaki forests.
The Miyawaki forests create thriving habitats for local wildlife and strengthen students’ connection to Country.
Joined by the Town of East Fremantle and Murdoch University, Richmond Primary School developed its Miyawaki forest project, the town’s latest venture to increase urban greening and biodiversity.
The Miyawaki forest method originates from the Japanese botanist Dr Akira Miyawaki and involves rapidly growing greenery using native species and compact planting methods.
Around 300 native plants were installed, with estimates for the forest to grow 10 times faster than most woodlands.
Heathridge Primary School is also celebrating success after planting their very own Miyawaki forest and six season Noongar garden.
The leader of the initiative, teacher Gregg Burdon, said the school aims to “nurture culturally and environmentally responsive students who feel connected to and understand the importance of learning on Country”.
While the forest serves as an opportunity for students to explore Aboriginal ecological knowledge, the environmental impact of the greenery is also a point of success.
The project transformed the Heathridge campus into a thriving hotspot for local wildlife and nature, inviting the return of the endangered red-tailed black cockatoos. The birds’ occupancy signals the success and positive impact of the Miyawaki forest on the environment and grounds at Heathridge.
Cara Baker, associate principal at Heathridge, said there were unexpected positive outcomes emotionally and mentally for students, as it “gives students the opportunity to re-centre and bounce back before returning to the classroom ready to learn’’.
As schools embrace Miyawaki forest projects across WA, they create thriving habitats for local wildlife, strengthen students’ connection to Country and provide wellbeing benefits.
Through the dedication of students, educators and community partners, these forests are helping to plant the seeds for a greener and more resilient future in WA.