SUGi has joined forces with Louis Vuitton, Moët & Chandon and Cadogan to deliver an urban rewilding project on Chelsea Square.
The new ‘Serenity Forest’ will see 240 sq m (circa 2,500 sq ft) of previously concreted land planted with 780 trees and shrubs, with the ambition of the forest becoming self-sustaining within three years.
SUGi, an organisation dedicated to restoring 100% native forests in urban spaces, previously created a pocket forest on Pont Street, in Chelsea, in autumn 2021. The new Serenity Forest follows the Miyawaki methodology, which gives forests four layers – shrubs, sub-trees, trees and a canopy – with at least three trees planted per sq metre.
Elise van Middelem, founder of SUGi, said: “Our mission is to restore native ecosystems in cities around the world. This project underlines the essential role of nature in cities and provides an antidote to the monoculture tree planting we often see. Bringing nature closer for urban dwellers boosts health, wellness and a sense of serenity, in addition to myriad environmental benefits.”
Hugh Seaborn, CEO of Cadogan, added: “This is a great example of businesses and landowners working together to make an impact with environmentally responsible planting in small spaces. We look forward to the forest flourishing and monitoring the impact it has on our local community.”
