The vast majority of terrestrial biodiversity is found in the world’s forests. According to the UN, agribusinesses must meet their commitments to deforestation-free commodity chains. We need to teach forestry to our children. A food forest mimics a woodland ecosystem but with edible vegetation. Fruit and nut trees make up the upper level, while berry shrubs, edible perennials and annuals make up the lower levels. This kind of local ecosystem builds healthy soil and increases the diversity of plants and habitat.
In April 2019 we started the contextual design of our fruit forest. Expert Jen McConachie from Efferus AS held a lecture about permaculture and then conducted a design workshop with 30 biology students. In 2020, teachers and experts planned the landscaping and slopes.
Together with 80 students, we will plant the fruit forest in the spring of 2021. We are also hoping to study the effect of music from the new sound sculpture on the plants. What kind of music do fruit trees prefer?