Bed manufacturer Hypnos, in partnership with Buckinghamshire Council and Earthwatch Europe (with funding from the Forestry Commission), is continuing its programme of community support by sponsoring a new Tiny Forest planted at Princes Risborough School.

Colleagues from Hypnos Beds joined up to 120 pupils and teachers at the school to plant 600 trees to create the Tiny Forest. The project has been developed in response to children at the school becoming more interested in combating climate change and mitigating biodiversity loss.

Tiny Trees

Part-funded through the Local Authority Treescapes Fund, the project aims to engage, educate and inspire the community in Buckinghamshire,

These trees planted at Princes Risborough School will also contribute to Buckinghamshire Council’s commitment to plant over 543,000 trees on council owned land in Buckinghamshire over the next nine years.

What is a Tiny Forest?

Tiny Forest is an initiative championed in the UK by environmental charity Earthwatch Europe. The forests are created by planting 600 native trees in the space roughly the size of a tennis court. These intensively planted trees grow quickly and create nature-rich habitats to support wildlife. The forests also play a vital role in connecting people with nature, providing a living classroom to study and learn about the positive benefits of tree planting.

The Tiny Forest project is a response to the effects of environmental issues such as flooding, heat stress and loss of biodiversity in local communities – issues which are only expected to be exacerbated in Queen’s Canopythe face of climate change and increasing urbanisation. The aim is to create thriving and climate-resilient communities that support economic growth, while also enhancing livelihoods and wellbeing.

Earthwatch Europe is proud to support the Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) to plant Tiny Forests – a unique tree planting initiative to honour the late Queen Elizabeth – in all four nations of the UK. As a Royal Warrant Holder, Hypnos is continuing its support for the QGC with the Princes Risborough Tiny Forest, and welcomed His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, The Countess Howe, who unveiled a QGC plaque, alongside Princes Risborough Town Councillors, as well as Cabinet Leads from Buckinghamshire Council, Gareth Williams and Jilly Jordan.

James Keen, Chief Executive at Hypnos Beds, explained: “As a business we are always keen to give something back to both local communities and the wider world in which we operate. Tiny Forest is a perfect fit for us as an initiative given our commitment to the Queen’s Green Canopy project and sustainable bed design and business operation, so we’re proud to be part of this initiative.

“We’re also grateful to the partners of this project; Buckinghamshire Council for the funding it has secured from the Forestry Commission, Earthwatch Europe for its continued work and support for the Tiny Forest project, and Princes Risborough School for providing the space for the Tiny Forest and volunteers.

“We’re looking forward to working in partnership with the school to help maintain the Tiny Forest and continue educating the local community in the importance of climate change.”

Louise Hartley, Tiny Forest Programme Manager at Earthwatch Europe, said: “Tiny Forest provides rich opportunities for connecting young and old alike with the environment and sustainability. It’s vital that we give people the knowledge and skills to protect our natural world and inspire them to take positive action. We are delighted to be working with Hypnos Beds, Princes Risborough School, and Buckinghamshire Council to bring these inspiring spaces to Princes Risborough.”

Gareth Williams is Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Environment. He said: “It’s inspiring to see our local schools and communities taking part in tree-planting projects to help make a difference to the future of the environment and I’m delighted to be a part of this event. This is one of a huge number of tree-planting schemes planned and underway across Buckinghamshire under our Bucks Tree Mission – a key strand in our overall Climate Change and Air Quality strategy. We’re creating brand new woodlands and will be planting more than half a million new trees in Buckinghamshire over the next decade – one for every resident. Today’s event adds even more trees to the overall tally – another way we’re all making the most of this year’s tree-planting season.”