Next to a tall building, the Muziekplein forest is one of seven such special and very small forests in the Dutch city of Utrecht, and 144 tiny forests across the Netherlands. It's about the size of a basketball court. Before it was planted, the area was a parking lot.
By the end of this year, according to IVN Nature Education, an organization leading the country's plan, there will be 200 such small forests in the Netherlands. In many other countries, communities are creating such small-area and native forests as positive responses to big environmental challenges. The forests can be any shape, but must be at least four meters wide based on IVN's instructions. A tiny forest can be built under a year. And it generally includes between 20 and 40 different tree species.
Since the first forest was planted in the Netherlands in 2015, the idea has become popular. Daan Bleichrodt launched IVN's Tiny Forest plan with the goal of making it easier for children to know the significance of protecting environment. He thinks it is popular because people are becoming more and more aware of major environmental challenges. It's a very practical way for people to do something positive considering climate change and loss of biodiversity.
Data released by Wageningen University researchers in April shows that the forests hold a range of animal and plant species. Across the 11 tiny forests in a study, volunteers observed 636 animal species. They also recognized 298 plant species in addition to the original species planted in the areas. Daily maintenance of the forests sometimes involves obliterating unwanted weeds, but in general, new plant species, such as wildflowers, are allowed to grow, according to Bleichrodt.
Suzanne Valkman, head of the World Wildlife Fund(WWF) Netherlands forests unit, said, “I was just amazed to see how many total species were recognized.” A WWF report in 2020 found that wildlife populations in the Netherlands decreased by half over the last three decades. Butterflies, birds and reptile species were particularly hard hit. Valkman said, “The Tiny Forest data shows that the small project can improve that biodiversity in cities.”
12. What is the feature of the Muziekplein forest?
A.It has a small size. | B.It includes only rare species. |
C.It has an interesting shape. | D.It is beside a park lot. |
13. What's the purpose of creating tiny forests in the Dutch city?
A.To make a great profit out of them. | B.To raise the awareness of kids' education. |
C.To set an example to other countries. | D.To help improve the local environment. |
14. What does the underlined word “obliterating” in paragraph 4 probably mean?
A.Checking. | B.Protecting. | C.Removing. | D.Discovering. |
15. Why did the author mention Suzanne Valkman's words?
A.To describe the current situation of wildlife species. | B.To show the effects of the Tiny Forest plan. |
C.To explain the importance of biodiversity. | D.To encourage all of us to plant more trees. |