Collaborating with LyondellBasell for a tree-planting venture in Luboń on the 12th of April, 2025, targeting 850 trees.
April 12, 2025: A Remarkable Day in Luboń – A New Pocket Forest Takes Root
In a commendable display of environmental stewardship, volunteers from LyondellBasell joined forces with our community on April 12, 2025, to plant 850 trees and shrubs in Luboń, creating a vibrant pocket forest. This green initiative underscores our commitment to urban greenery, community engagement, and climate action.
A Haven for Biodiversity – The Pocket Forest
A pocket forest, a small but impactful ecosystem, is designed to replicate the structural and functional aspects of a large forest. The densely planted array of trees, shrubs, and ground cover plants not only thrives but also functions as a sustainable, independent ecosystem. It purifies the air, retains rainwater, cools the surroundings, and serves as a shelter for insects, birds, and small wildlife. In the heart of urban landscapes, pocket forests are a powerful means of reintroducing nature where it has been replaced by concrete.
The Chosen Species for Luboń's Forest
With a focus on native and pollinator-friendly species, the Luboń pocket forest boasts a diverse mix of trees and shrubs carefully selected to thrive in urban environments and support local biodiversity. Each plant contributes uniquely to the mini-forest's overall health and diversity:
- Sessile Oak (Quercus petraea): Majestic and long-lived, its wide canopy shelters countless creatures.
- European Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus): Resilient to pollution and capable of long winters, it offers year-round cover.
- Small-leaved Lime (Tilia cordata): A bee magnet, its flowers yield rich nectar while improving air quality and soothing senses.
- Norway Maple (Acer platanoides) and Sycamore Maple (Acer pseudoplatanus): Rapidly growing, these trees offer shade, combat pollution, and enrich the soil.
- Elderberry (Sambucus nigra): A shrub with medicinal and ecological importance, its flowers attract insects, and berries nourish birds.
- Japanese Quince (Chaenomeles japonica): With striking red flowers and edible, wildlife-friendly fruits.
- Common Pear (Pyrus communis) and Wild Apple (Malus sylvestris): Native fruit trees that sustain birds and mammals while supporting pollinators during bloom.
The ecological and resilience diversity of these species ensures that the Luboń pocket forest will grow increasingly self-sufficient and effective each year.
Briefly, the Benefits and Impact of Pocket Forests
Pocket forests, such as those formed using the Miyawaki method, bring significant benefits:
- Carbon Sequestration: Their high carbon-to-size ratio means they sequester up to 30 times more carbon than conventional tree plantations.
- Biodiversity Boost: They can harbor up to 100 times more species than traditional forests.
- Rapid Growth: They grow up to 10 times faster than traditional forests.
- Microclimate Creation: The dense planting design creates a microclimate that lowers temperatures, retains water, and discourages weeds.
- Community Engagement: Pocket forests strengthen community bonds and provide opportunities for active participation in local environmental efforts.
In this new pocket forest in Luboń, the selected species will not only replicate the structural aspects of a large forest but also promote a diverse lifestyle and home-and-garden ecosystem. The Sessile Oak, European Hornbeam, Small-leaved Lime, Norway Maple, Sycamore Maple, Elderberry, Japanese Quince, Common Pear, and Wild Apple will foster biodiversity, filter air, support local environmental-science, and offer edible produce, thus bridging the gap between urban landscapes and environmental-science.
