Britannia Reserve, a little corner of Leederville, burst with new life and hope in mid-August, when more than 40 volunteers came together to plant the very first Black Cockatoo Pocket Forest. What had once been a bare patch of land is now a vibrant home for endangered black cockatoos — and a hub for a growing community of urban nature-lovers.
“This is about more than planting trees,” said project coordinator Ian Kininmonth. “It’s about connecting people to Country and each other, while giving everyone hands-on experience in restoring habitat, right in the heart of our city.”
Perth has lost almost three-quarters of its original vegetation over the years, leaving birds like the Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo searching for food and shelter. While our city’s tree canopy is around 16–22 per cent, much of it is scattered, leaving suburbs hot and wildlife with too little habitat.
That’s why this tiny forest is such a bright spot — proof that even small patches of green can make a real difference.
The planting was led by Transition Town Vincent, a grassroots group helping people reconnect with nature, alongside Dr Grey Coupland and the Miyawaki forest team from Murdoch University. Guidance was also provided by SUGi Pocket Forests, a global urban greening organisation. Even mayor Alison Xamon popped by to welcome the seedlings and cheer on volunteers.
The day began with a heartfelt welcome to country and smoking ceremony by Uncle Vaughn McGuire, anchoring the project in Noongar culture. Despite a light drizzle, volunteers of all ages — from toddlers to retirees — rolled up their sleeves and dug in, planting more than 500 seedlings.
Using the Miyawaki method, a Japanese-inspired technique adapted for Perth’s conditions, trees were planted densely to help them grow quickly into a thriving urban forest. Species like Banksia, Marri, and Jarrah will feed and shelter Carnaby’s, Baudin’s, and forest red-tailed black cockatoos through Perth’s dry months.
Elliot Brinsden-Rolfe, a gap-year volunteer and lifelong bird lover, said: “It’s amazing to see what we can achieve in such a small space. It shows that even city dwellers like me can make a real difference for wildlife.”
The project isn’t just about trees — it’s about community, soil health, and learning together. Volunteers helped prepare biochar from local food scraps and green waste at the nearby Britannia Community Food Forest. This rich soil additive will boost water retention, support fungi and microbes, and help lock carbon into the ground.
The forest is already becoming a living classroom. It will provide a training ground for residents wanting to restore biodiversity on their own verges, balconies, or backyards. It’s part of Transition Town Vincent’s My Healthy Soils project, which focuses on restoring both above- and below-ground biodiversity.
“This project has built a real sense of community,” Elliot said. “It’s brought people together over a shared love of wildlife, gardening, and sustainability. It makes me proud to be part of something that will grow and flourish for years to come.”
Dr Coupland added: “Environmental action doesn’t need to happen somewhere else — we can bring it into our backyards, streets, and community spaces, reconnecting people with nature.”
The forest’s growth will be tracked through citizen science, monitoring tree health, soil quality, and the return of birds, insects, and other creatures. Funding for the project came from the City of Vincent and international urban greening organisation SUGi, with biochar donated by local company Fasera. The City of Vincent has also committed to expanding the project in the future, including more habitat and educational signage.
As the sun set over the freshly planted seedlings, a little patch of Leederville had become a big pocket of hope — ready to grow into a home for birds, bugs, and belonging.
Want to get involved?
Volunteers are still needed to help water, compost, and monitor the forest.
Email info@ttv.org.au to join in and help nature thrive in your community.
