The European School RheinMain is pioneering a sustainability initiative that aims to reduce the impacts of climate change in the region, promote biodiversity and provide important learning opportunities for students.

As an official environmental school, the ESRM in Bad Vilbel will further expand its already remarkable commitment to sustainability initiatives by planting the city's first Tiny Forest, based on the principle developed by Japanese botanist Miyawaki. In collaboration with local entrepreneurs and social enterprises, the students of the European School RheinMain will plant over 500 trees and shrubs from at least 30 different species native to the region. The Tiny Forest will be densely planted on an area of 250 m² to maximize space and will mimic the life cycle and conditions of a normal forest. It is a self-sustaining forest that will offset carbon emissions in the region and benefit the municipality of Dortelweil. Headmaster Drs. Tom Zijlstra underlines the school's commitment to sustainability and community spirit by saying: "A school should be a beacon for society, with a clear conscience and a warm heart. It is our duty to give back to society and the local community with our maximum capacity. We have the task of preparing the next generation of European citizens and we hope to bring about meaningful change with this lasting project and to bring our students closer to the world of tomorrow that they will inherit.

In addition to combating the harmful effects of global warming, the forest also serves as an educational space for outdoor classes. As a child-focused educational institution, ESRM will use the forest as part of its curriculum for primary and secondary school students. Students will interact with the forest as it grows and changes with the seasons. They will be involved in every aspect of the project, from conception to planting and the maturation process. Later, students will use the forest to observe wildlife and deepen their understanding of nature.

Over the coming months, students will be undertaking a number of projects such as a planting day and a fundraising run to raise money for the forest and to fund this special project.

Pond for irrigation and observation of the biotope
The second part of the plan includes a biological pond that will serve as an irrigation source for the forest, special facilities for observing natural life, etc. Both will hopefully be completed in spring 2022.
The entire project is supported by the company “Tiny Forests de Klimaneutrale Stadtwälder”. These experts from the organization Tiny Forests gUG are highly motivated to contribute their expertise to this unique project.

Cooperation with local schools
We are happy to share our project with local schools for biology and forestry classes. Groups of parents and interested citizens can visit the project as part of an "open day".