A programme to establish a series of “micro forests” across the island has been awarded a £50,000 grant (about $64,000) by the British Government.

The Micro Forest Project, launched by the Bermuda Zoological Society, was recently awarded the grant through the Darwin Plus Local programme, which offers funding to environmental initiatives.

The project, launched in November 2021, involves clearing select areas of invasive species and replacing them with select endemic and native plants to promote biodiversity and safeguard the island’s natural heritage.

The organisers hoped to plant 1,500 seedlings on ten new sites a year for three years, with 17 micro forests already planted and another three to be established later this year.

A BZS spokeswoman said the grant would be used to purchase seedlings and a specialised drone, which will be used to monitor the progress and health of the micro forest sites.

Nicholas Coelho, who leads the project, said the BZS was delighted to receive the funding to bolster their efforts.

“We know they have many worthy applicants and we are honoured that they chose us to be a recipient,” he said.

“Bermuda’s natural heritage is unique and we are working to preserve it. These micro forests act as a refuge for our rare native and endemic plants, insects and birds.

“The pollen and seeds the plants produce will help to support native and endemic plant populations in the surrounding areas.

“The benefits of micro forests include massively increasing the biodiversity in a concentrated area, as well as helping to lower temperatures, reduce air and noise pollution, attract local birds and insects, and sequester carbon.”

Mr Coelho added that micro forests could help make the island more resistant to climate change because native plant species were less likely to be damaged in hurricanes, while plants such as mangroves helped to protect coastal areas from erosion.

The project also includes an educational component, with 230 student volunteers rolling up their sleeves to assist the creation of the micro forests across Bermuda including Trunk Island, the BZS’s “living classroom”.

Trevor Rawson, the BZS’s Trunk Island Project co-ordinator, said: “Through initiatives such as the Micro Forest Project, we want children to learn about and understand our unique environment.

“If they see what we do and take it to their backyard, by planting even a single endemic tree, then that is a win for us. We want to encourage Bermuda’s youth to become advocates for conservation.”

Micro forest sites planted so far include schools, roadside strips, small islands, private gardens and areas of parks.

More than 39,400 invasive plants have already been culled as part of the initiative. They have been replaced by 2,900 native and endemic plants with a survival rate of close to 95 per cent so far.

Among the newest micro forests is the new King’s Coronation Garden in the Botanical Gardens, which was formally opened on May 6.

The BZS spokeswoman said: “The 4,570-square-foot site in a previously unused corner of the Botanical Gardens is now home to over 530 seedlings of 20 different species.

“The Bermuda Government’s Department of Parks has actively supported the project from its inception.”

The project has also garnered the support of businesses, with sponsors including HSBC, RenaissanceRe, Chubb, Aspen, Convex, Aeolus and Vantage.