Urban Greening Projects: Tiny Forests, Urban Farms and Greener Cities

Example of a tiny forest.

Cities are transforming. As more people move into urban centres, the need for greener, more liveable spaces becomes urgent. Urban greening is emerging as one of the most practical, hopeful solutions to the challenges of climate change, public health, and biodiversity loss.

From pocket parks to rooftop gardens, from tiny forests to community farms, urban greening projects are breathing new life into our built environments. They offer shade on hot days, cleaner air to breathe, and a stronger connection with the natural world. More importantly, they are scalable, community led, and already making a difference across the UK.

What Is Urban Greening?

Urban greening refers to the creation, restoration, or improvement of natural spaces in towns and cities. It includes planting trees, developing urban farms, installing green roofs and walls, restoring wetlands, and turning underused areas into vibrant green spaces.

These projects offer many benefits:

• Lower urban temperatures. Green areas help cool city streets and reduce the urban heat island effect.
• Better air quality. Trees and plants absorb pollutants and produce oxygen.
• Mental health benefits. Access to green space supports wellbeing and reduces stress.
• Increased biodiversity. Greener cities support pollinators, birds, and native wildlife.

Creating space for nature is one of 25 big local actions communities can take to tackle climate change.

What Are Tiny Forests?

A tiny forest is a dense, fast growing grove of native trees planted in an area no larger than a tennis court. Despite their size, these micro forests are ecological powerhouses. They:

• Capture and store carbon
• Absorb sound and reduce noise pollution
• Help manage stormwater and reduce flood risks
• Create habitats for insects, birds, and small mammals

Tiny forests are particularly suited to urban settings. They can be established in school grounds, housing estates, and along busy roads. This makes nature more accessible in the heart of the city.

Planting trees is a powerful form of climate action. Learn more about how to start or support a tiny forest in your area.

Urban Farms and Local Food in Cities

Urban farms, also known as “urb farms”, are growing in popularity across the UK. They can range from small allotment plots to larger community supported agriculture (CSA) projects, rooftop greenhouses, or vertical farms.

Benefits of urban farming include:

• Improved food security. Fresh produce grown locally reduces reliance on long supply chains.
• Education opportunities. Farms are living classrooms where people learn about growing, cooking, and sustainability.
• Green jobs. Farming initiatives provide employment and skills training.

Producing food locally is one of the key actions that make cities more self-sufficient and sustainable.

How Urban Greening Supports Climate and Community Goals

Urban greening projects do more than beautify public spaces. They are long term investments in climate resilience and social wellbeing. Green infrastructure helps cities adapt to extreme weather, supports species in decline, and fosters stronger community ties.

Co-benefits include:

• Lower emissions and greater climate resilience
• Community pride and stronger neighbourhood connections
• Increased habitats for pollinators and native species

To understand how greening fits within a wider nature-based approach, read our rewilding guide: What Is Rewilding? A Guide to Nature Recovery and Land Use in the UK.

How to Start or Support an Urban Greening Project

Urban greening starts with people. You do not need acres of land or years of experience to get involved. Here are a few ways to take action:

• Join a local growing group or tree planting scheme
• Advocate for green infrastructure in local planning decisions
• Donate to organisations leading greening projects
• Green your own space such as a balcony, a verge, or a schoolyard

Creating space for nature is something every community can do. Click the link to find out how you can start your own project or support one nearby.

Urban Greening FAQs

What is urban greening?

Urban greening is the process of adding more natural elements such as trees, gardens, or wetlands into built environments to improve environmental and social outcomes.

What are tiny forests and how do they work?

Tiny forests are compact areas of densely planted native trees. They mimic natural forest ecosystems and grow rapidly, offering biodiversity, cooling, and flood management benefits within a small footprint.

How are urban farms benefiting cities?

Urban farms support local food production, reduce food miles, create green jobs, and offer educational spaces for communities to learn about growing and sustainability.

What are the environmental and social benefits of urban greening?

Environmental benefits include cleaner air, lower temperatures, and greater biodiversity. Socially, green spaces promote mental wellbeing, physical health, and community connection.

How can someone get involved in urban greening?

You can get involved by joining a local greening group, participating in tree planting, growing food in shared spaces, advocating for greener planning, or supporting local initiatives financially or through volunteering.

Sources:

• https://www.kcl.ac.uk/students/how-frequently-visiting-green-spaces-benefits-our-mental-health
• https://earthwatch.org.uk/program/tiny-forest/
• https://www.ube.ac.uk/whats-happening/articles/what-is-urban-greening/

About Carbon Copy

Carbon Copy exists to turn individual concern for climate and nature into collective impact by helping people connect locally and create real change together. We believe the fastest way to create change is to share it. We tap into a powerful truth: copying is human nature. When action is visible and easy to replicate, it spreads. It’s about people stepping in, inspired by what others have done and copying what works. Carbon Copy offers a place to start, with a national collection of climate action stories, place-by-place climate and nature plans, a popular podcast and blog, and capacity building for organisations across public, private and third sectors.