The Wee Forest

In October 2021, Glasgow Science Centre joined forces with local community members to create the Govan Wee Forest. This charming woodland, a part of the Tiny Forest family, brings the wonders of nature right into the heart of Govan and demonstrates the incredible power of community and the beauty of nature.

What is a Wee Forest?

The Wee Forest is a dense, native woodland that helps deal with the effects of climate change, provides a haven for urban wildlife and provides a place to connect people with nature.

Urban forests help us to adapt to a changing climate as they absorb rainfall, help prevent floods, offer shelter to both wildlife and people, and store carbon in growing trees and plants.

The Wee Forest provides a natural habitat that attracts over 400 species of animals, insects, and plants, while also serving as a communal space for learning and play. Schools and community groups can use it as an outdoor classroom, discovering the beauty of nature and the importance of conservation.

The Wee Forest is looked after by local volunteers who water, litter pick and collect scientific information about the Wee Forest as it grows.

Trees and Plants at the Wee Forest

This Wee Forest is planted using a technique developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki. It is a dense mix of 600 Scottish native trees, shrubs, and ground-covering plants.

If you're looking to learn more about some of the trees and plants that can be found at the Wee Forest click the image below.

Mural Art

Now in its second year, the Wee Forest is thriving. To celebrate the space and encourage communities and schools to visit, we teamed up with SWG3 to work with local young people to design a vibrant mural for the wall that runs adjacent to the Forest.

Working alongside the local talented artist Tragic O’Hara, the local school children designed an amazing mural that perfectly complements the Wee Forest.

“I think spaces like these are great for local people, it’s a place to call their own that isn’t just concrete and makes a huge difference to people, especially their mental health. I’m a father and know how much my boys love being outside and learning outside, this project gave the young people things to do and learn that wasn’t just sitting at a desk” - Tragic O’Hara

Tragic O’Hara standing with the art wall he painted

Tragic O’Hara painting the art wall within the wee forest

View full gallery

Community Event

Welcome to the Wee Forest. A ladybird walks over a leaf.

To celebrate the amazing Govan Wee Forest, we held an event inviting the community to discover their local Wee Forest and learn more about the wildlife, beautiful trees and colourful plants that can be found there.