Exmouth Tiny Forest Wins Two Awards at RHS South West in Bloom ceremony

Exmouth’s Tiny Forest, a community-driven project that took root earlier this year, has picked up two prestigious awards from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) South West in Bloom.

The tree-mendous project was awarded both the London and Manchester Trophy for outstanding contribution to the environment and the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE) Environmental Award, following a visit from judges Tim Eley and Ian Cawley on July 18.

This significant recognition comes just months after nearly 100 volunteers, ranging from ages three to 96, braved muddy weather to plant 600 trees in a 300-square-metre area at King George’s playing field on Carter Avenue.

The project was inspired by the Japanese Miyawaki method, where young trees are planted densely, encouraging faster growth than traditional woodlands. The Tiny Forest was established as a collaboration between Exmouth Tiny Forest Group, Devon County Council (DCC), East Devon District Council (EDDC), and ParkLife Southwest, with funding support from the Woodland Trust’s Emergency Tree Fund and the Forestry Commission’s Local Authority Treescapes Fund.

The forest was further enhanced by EDDC’s Parks and Gardens team, who planted an additional 185 broadleaf trees in three small copses around the site. This unique setup supports ongoing research into contrasting planting styles, comparing the health, growth rate, and wildlife potential of the Miyawaki method with more traditional woodland planting. The findings from this research will help shape future tree-planting projects across the district.

EDDC and Exmouth Tiny Forest are now exploring options for a second Tiny Forest site, with an online consultation seeking public feedback. Residents are encouraged to get involved and have their say on the future of East Devon’s treescape here: Have Your Say Today - Help To Preserve East Devon’s Treescape - Commonplace

Despite its relatively young roots, the Exmouth Tiny Forest has quickly made its mark as a hub for outdoor engagement.

Councillor Geoff Jung, EDDC’s portfolio holder for coast, country, and environment, celebrated the awards, said:

“Our Parks and Gardens and our public open spaces in our towns and villages are important features.

“Not only for looking nice and colourful, but for health and wellbeing, biodiversity, a place to relax to meet friends, to play, to sit and simply just enjoy.

“These gardens and open areas require careful planning, many hours of work, not just by EDDC Streetscene, but also Town Council staff and also a small army of volunteers, who together continually put in many hours to achieve really wonderful displays. 

“It is thanks to this combining of staff and volunteers that yet again East Devon's gardens and open spaces have earned well deserved awards. Thank you to the whole team, and well done! The awards are a tribute to all the hard work and dedication you have all put in.”

The Exmouth Tiny Forest has not only become a local environmental success story but also serves as an important example of how small-scale tree planting efforts can have a lasting impact on biodiversity, carbon capture, and community involvement. The partnership with EDDC Streetscene and ParkLife Southwest will ensure the space is maintained and continues to serve as a valuable resource for outdoor education.

In addition to the Tiny Forest’s accolades, both Exmouth in Bloom and Sidmouth in Bloom were awarded GOLD at this year’s RHS South West in Bloom Awards, along with additional awards in respective categories. The beautiful floral displays across both towns, supported by EDDC and local councils, have been a joy for residents and visitors alike. What a triumph!