Tiny Forest Bostimist

Initially, the small forest located on the schoolyard of Bostimist faced a challenging start due to the children who play there daily causing some damage to the trees. As revealed in the research conducted by Wageningen University and Research, the growth, CO2 storage, and biodiversity of the forest are comparatively lower than other forests where children have less access. In hindsight, fewer paths in the forest may have helped to prevent some of the damages caused by the children’s play. Nevertheless, nature is proving to be resilient, and after five years, the forest is gradually transforming into a more typical forest-like environment.

Back in 2018, a group of students from De Optimist primary school in Almere embarked on an inspiring project that saw them transform a barren, 200 square meter courtyard into a thriving mini-forest. With the help of the municipality of Almere, IVN nature education, and a skilled landscaper, the young minds were able to bring their vision to life.

What’s particularly remarkable about this project is that the students managed to plant two distinct forest communities in the same space. Half of the mini-forest was planted on clay soil, while the other half was planted on sandy soil. This thoughtful approach resulted in a diverse and vibrant ecosystem that continues to thrive to this day.

Planted by

Primary school de Optimist, municipality of Almere, IVN Almere and IVN Flevoland

Plant date

15 April 2018

Surface planted

200 m2

Number of trees

600 trees

Surface outdoor classroom

50 m2

Biodiversity, education and community

At De Bostimist primary school, students get to experience the joys of the forest every day as they play and unwind in the school’s outdoor classroom. While the forest has primarily served as a natural playground, it hasn’t been used as much for outdoor lessons.

Nevertheless, the students‘ intensive play has fostered a thriving biodiversity in the forest. In fact, researchers from Wageningen University have identified a total of 190 plant and animal species in the forest, which is slightly lower than the average of 271 species found in other forests.

The forest’s growth rate also appears to be stunted, which has resulted in a lower carbon uptake. In 2020, the forest sequestered just 4.3 kg/CO2.

Tree species list

Sandy soil

Acer campestre (Field Maple)
Cornus mas (Cornelian Cherry);
Corylus avelana (Hazelnut)
Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn)
Fagus sylvatica (European Beech)
Lugustrum vulgare (Common Privet)
Malus (Apple) populus nigra (Black Poplar)
Prunus avium (Wild Cherry)
Prunus padus (Bird Cherry)
Prunus spinosa (Blackthorn)
Pyrus (Pear)
Quercus robur (Common Oak)
Rhamnus cathartica (Buckthorn)
Ribes nigrum (Black Currant)
Rosa rubiginosa (Sweetbriar Rose)
Rosa rugosa (Rugosa Rose)
Salix viminalis (Common Osier)
Sambucus nigra (Elderberry)
Sorbus aucuparia (Rowan)
Viburnum opulus (Guelder Rose)

Clay soil

Acer campestre (Field Maple)
Alnus glutinosa (Common Alder)
Betula pendula (Silver Birch)
Betula pubesens (Downy Birch)
Carpinus betulus (European Hornbeam)
Cornus mas (Cornelian Cherry)
Corylus avelana (Hazelnut)
Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn)
Fagus sylvatica (European Beech)
Ilex aquifolim (Holly)
Lugustrum vulgare (Common Privet)
Populier tremula (European Aspen)
Prunus avium (Wild Cherry)
Prunus padus (Bird Cherry)
Quercus robur (Common Oak)
Rhamnus (Buckthorn)
Ribes rubrum (Red Currant)
Salix triandra (Almond Willow)
Salix alba (White Willow)
Salix viminalis (Common Osier)
Sorbus aucuparia (Rowan)
Tillia cordata (Small-leaved Lime)
Tillia platyphyllos (Large-leaved Lime)
Viburnum opulus (Guelder Rose)