July is the month when we experience the least rain in the UK. This is the month when you need to pay close attention to any signs of drought. Despite not being a rainy month, flood management is an important topic for July. Dried, baked and cracked soil in and outside of the Tiny Forest can repel water rather than absorb it. This means that when a rainy day arrives, the rainwater will create waterlogging and fast runoff leading to greater risks of flash flooding. Conducting flood management surveys and raising awareness about the consequences of climate change, such as floods and droughts, are crucial in this period. 

Keep an eye on your Tiny Forest for any signs of drought. Tiny Forests should only be watered when necessary but younger trees might require extra care, especially after a period of severe drought. Check beneath the mulch if the soil is moist and look out for any limp, dry, wilted, yellowing and browning leaves – these are the signs that your trees need some water. We recommend to water individual trees, close to their base. This ensures any water you bring into the Tiny Forest will go straight to the trees’ roots and won’t be wasted. Get in contact with us if you need help with sourcing a tap that is not too far away from the Tiny Forest. Trees are not the only ones who need water in the dry month of July. To help wildlife in the heatwave, set up a bird bath or butterfly puddling station in your Tiny Forest – make sure you change the water regularly.

You might know the effects of plastic pollution on wild animals or have seen the large plastic islands in our oceans. But did you know that plastic can also be bad for human health? This Environmental Network's article showcases many studies in which plastic production and usage have proven to be damaging to our organs, disturb hormone activity and increase risks of birth complications, especially among marginalised communities. Plastic Free July is a fantastic initiative to shed light on this issue and shows ways to reduce plastic and its impact on human health. Perhaps you could hold a Plastic Free Morning Tea in your Tiny Forest every (or at least on one) Sunday of July? 

Check your Tiny Forest for any signs of draught and water trees if necessary. Watch our Tiny Forest Flood Management Training and conduct the surveys on your phone (you can scan the QR code on your Tiny Forest Plaque to access them) or download and print monitoring resources from our website.