Now that the trees are still dormant, it is a good opportunity to take your tree identification to the next level. Try tree identification using the bare branches of the tree! While you do this, check for any tree tags that might be too tight now and have started strangling the trees. Take carbon measurements to find out how quickly your Tiny Forest is growing in one growth season. While in your Tiny Forest, take time to reflect on the importance of staying connected to nature and what it means to you and your community. 

Some key characteristics to observe carefully are the shape of the buds and the patterns in which the buds grow from the twig. Some trees have buds that grow in pairs (on opposite sides of the twig), some in an alternate pattern, and some in a spiral around the twig. Other characteristics that are useful to observe include the colour and texture of the bark, any thorns or catkins on the branches, and the overall shape of the tree. February is still early to see budbursts, but pay close attention to elders, hawthorns and hazels as they tend to be more impatient while waiting for the upcoming spring. Watch this video from Wildlife Trust or download Woodland Trust’s Twig ID sheet to help you with winter tree identification. 

Researchers from the University of Derby found that the more connected to nature we are, the more benefits it has for our daily life. February is a wonderful time to show your love for nature and feel the love it gives us back. This Valentine’s Day invite your date, family, your neighbour or your own self to the Tiny Forest, grab a thermos with tea, and reflect on the five pathways to nature connectedness: contact, emotion, beauty, meaning, compassion. What comes to mind when thinking about these words and human-nature relationship? How does nature show you love? How do you show your love for nature? You can even cut out a few colourful hearts and write your answers in the middle.  

As you walk around your Tiny Forest practising your tree identification skills, pay extra attention to the tagged trees – it is important to loosen any tight tags on the trees so they don’t end up strangling the trees as they grow.