Exmouth's Tiny Forest has won two awards at the RHS South West in Bloom ceremony.
The community-driven project, which was established earlier in 2023, has been recognised by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) for its contribution to the environment.
The project was awarded the London and Manchester Trophy and the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE) Environmental Award, following a visit from judges Tim Eley and Ian Cawley on July 18.
The Tiny Forest is a result of the hard work of nearly 100 volunteers, aged between three and 96, who planted 600 trees in a 300-square-metre area at King George’s playing field on Carter Avenue.
The project is based on the Japanese Miyawaki method, which involves planting young trees densely to encourage faster growth.
This method is said to yield results quicker than traditional woodlands.
The initiative is a collaboration between Exmouth Tiny Forest Group, Devon County Council (DCC), East Devon District Council (EDDC), and ParkLife Southwest, with funding from the Woodland Trust’s Emergency Tree Fund and the Forestry Commission’s Local Authority Treescapes Fund.
The EDDC’s Parks and Gardens team also contributed by planting an additional 185 broadleaf trees in three small copses around the site.
This setup supports ongoing research into contrasting planting styles, comparing the health, growth rate, and wildlife potential of the Miyawaki method with more traditional woodland planting.
The findings from this research will help shape future tree-planting projects across the district.
EDDC and Exmouth Tiny Forest are now exploring options for a second Tiny Forest site and have launched an online consultation to seek public feedback.
Councillor Geoff Jung, EDDC’s portfolio holder for coast, country, and environment, celebrated the awards.
He said: "Our parks and gardens and our public open spaces in our towns and villages are important features.
"Not only for looking nice and colourful but for health and wellbeing, biodiversity, a place to relax to meet friends, to play, to sit and simply just enjoy.
"These gardens and open areas require careful planning, many hours of work, not just by EDDC Streetscene, but also town council staff and also a small army of volunteers, who together continually put in many hours to achieve really wonderful displays.
"It is thanks to this combination of staff and volunteers that yet again East Devon's gardens and open spaces have earned well-deserved awards.
"The awards are a tribute to all the hard work and dedication you have all put in."
The Exmouth Tiny Forest has quickly become a hub for outdoor engagement and environmental success stories.
The partnership with EDDC Streetscene and ParkLife Southwest will ensure the space is maintained and continues to serve as a valuable resource for outdoor education.
In addition to the Tiny Forest’s accolades, both Exmouth in Bloom and Sidmouth in Bloom were awarded gold at this year’s RHS South West in Bloom Awards, along with additional awards in respective categories.
The floral displays across both towns, supported by EDDC and local councils, have been enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.
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