Cities are getting hotter, denser and more exposed to the impacts of climate change. Trees can help change that.
Urban reforestation brings nature back into the places where people live, work and learn by creating climatic shelters that provide shade, support biodiversity and reduce air pollution.
Life Terra works with companies, donors and local partners to create meaningful urban ecosystem restoration projects across Europe. Explore our open projects here:
From grey to green spaces:
Miyawaki or urban forest
The Miyawaki Method is one of the most effective for rapidly creating forest cover on abandoned or degraded land previously used for other purposes, such as agriculture or construction.
Despite their compact dimensions, Miyawaki forests foster remarkable biodiversity and act as a "green lung" for the city, absorbing large amounts of carbon dioxide. Life Terra has developed miyawaki forests in Nice, Toulouse, Las Rozas and Lisbon. Learn more.
Climate Shelter Spots
Planting trees in cities is crucial in creating "climate refuge spots" – safe havens where people can find relief from rising temperatures and environmental stress caused by climate change. Urban trees provide shade, cool the air, and help reduce the heat island effect. These green spaces act as natural buffers, making cities more resilient to climate extremes (such as heat waves) and improving the overall livability of urban environments.
Green schoolyards
Raising awareness among the younger generation is essential for fostering a sustainable future. Planting trees in schoolyards not only adds more greenery to the community but also serves as a hands-on way to teach children the value of environmental stewardship, starting with their own surroundings. Life Terra goes beyond tree planting by offering an engaging and interactive educational package, designed to inspire students to take climate action and understand the impact of their choices. Learn more here.
Green hedges
Hedges can be a simple but powerful way to green urban spaces. Trees will provide shade, help absorb rainwater and create natural barriers against noise and wind. When planted with diverse, locally appropriate species, tree hedges can also connect fragmented green spaces, creating ecological and biodiverse corridors while making streets and neighbourhoods more attractive and liveable.
Advantages of collaborating with Life Terra
International visibility: be part of a unique movement to improve our planet present in more than 30 countries in Europe.
Contribute to the SDGs: planting trees is a relevant way to contribute to the SDGs and ESG strategies.
Generate a tangible and real impact: contribute to the regeneration of an urban area and provide a future green shelter for the local community.
Transparency: keep track of all your planted trees on our platform. You will find relevant information such as location, species, and an estimation of the CO2 captured.
If you are interested in supporting urban reforestation and want to take local action with your company, explore our open urban projects here:
Or, if you are a municipality and would like to organise planting events to engage your citizens, contact us here:
Urban reforestation: success cases
Las Rozas, Madrid: Biggest planting event
The City Council of Las Rozas, a municipality in the Community of Madrid, has been collaborating with Life Terra since 2019. Together, we established a partnership with annual events for schools and citizens that culminate in a large family event with more than 4,000 participants every year. In total, we have engaged more than 10,000 neighbours in taking climate action in their municipality. You can read more about our collaboration here.
Nice, France: From a car park to a Miwayaki forest
In collaboration with the City Council of Nice, a former car park was converted into a thriving new Miyawaki or microforest. First, the asphalt was removed and compost was mixed with the soil. Then, over several days in November 2022, around 50 citizens, young and old, helped plant, mulch and water 2,640 trees and bushes of 12 species. One year later, this area is growing at 3 times the expected rate and is on its way to becoming a new “urban jungle”.
5,000 trees for the neighbours of Toulouse
In January 2024, Life Terra planted with 1,000 school kids and citizens to achieve a climate resilient Micro forest and restore a degraded neighbourhood in the city of Toulouse, France. More than 5,000 trees and bushes of 18 species will help to create a thriving new ecosystem within the municipality.
Planting event in Dublin city
In April 2022, Life Terra, with the support of EY Ireland, One Tree Planted and Easy Treesie, planted in Dublin's city. About a hundred years ago, only about 1% of tree cover was left on this big island; now the country has about 11%. We aim to increase that percentage in the coming years in collaboration with local partners.
2,500 new trees for the KanaalPark, in Den Bosch
In collaboration with Lowestprijsgarantie.com and the municipality of 's-Hertogenbosch, Life Terra planted 2,000 trees in Canal Park to make the city a bit greener, help boost biodiversity in the surroundings and create a natural space for neighbours to enjoy. Read more here.
