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A pocket forest is a concept that involves creating a small, native forest in urban areas using a dense planting of native trees, shrubs, and groundcover plants. This method aims to restore native plant species in damaged ecosystems and mimic the layers of a natural forest. The technique was pioneered by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki and is based on the Miyawaki technique, which involves planting fast-growing native trees with dense, mixed planting to accelerate the growth of a forest ecosystem. The benefits of pocket forests include carbon accumulation, reduced water runoff, healthy soil creation, and providing a foundation for an abundance of life.

The process of creating a pocket forest involves planting native trees, shrubs, and groundcover plants to form a canopy layer of tall trees, a shrub layer, and ground cover. The area to be planted is first covered with a layer of cardboard, then covered with compost and allowed to acclimate to local moisture conditions for several months. Watering is unnecessary for native plants acclimated to the local environment, although watering for the first few years after planting, and during drought periods, will reduce mortality of individual plants.

Pocket forests can be created in small urban areas and do not require a large property to install. They can flourish in as little as 200 square feet and can be planted next to houses, offices, and other buildings. As they grow, the root systems will not break building foundations or underground plumbing.

The concept of pocket forests aims to reconnect people with nature through education workshops to rejuvenate soil and grow native trees, shrubs, and woodland flowers to bring a forest ecosystem to communities. It also empowers people to create and care for their pocket forests, promoting collaboration and care among the people involved in planting them.

The technique of creating pocket forests has gained attention worldwide, with organizations and individuals embracing the vision of building biodiversity and green infrastructure. Efforts to create ultra-dense, diverse, and wild pocket forests of any size, anywhere, are being supported to restore biodiversity and regenerate ecosystems.

In summary, pocket forests are a sustainable and innovative approach to restoring native plant species in urban areas, promoting biodiversity, and creating healthy ecosystems.