James Godfrey Faussett, Founder and Lead Forest Maker at SUGi and a passionate environmental restoration leader who’s all about turning bare patches into thriving ecosystems, shared his insights with Team Reblue in an exclusive interview for our ‘Nine Questions With’ series. With a knack for the Miyawaki Method and a commitment to working with local communities, he’s on a mission to tackle environmental challenges with nature-based solutions.

James Godfrey-Faussett’s journey into environmental restoration is both motivating and relatable. With his extensive experience, he found his calling in creating vibrant ecosystems through the Miyawaki Method. His passion for meaningful impact drives him to work closely with local communities and incorporate indigenous techniques in his projects Passionate about collaboration, James draws inspiration from indigenous restoration techniques and how nature solves its own challenges. He employs methods like the Miyawaki Method, producing impactful results in degraded landscapes. He’s also recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Sustainability, highlighting his influence in the field. Working with individuals, organizations, and charities, he serves as a vital link between nature and effective solutions. His visionary approach and commitment to urban forestry inspire many to pursue a greener, healthier future. Read excerpts from our conversation below:

Team Reblue:  James, you've got an impressive background in horticulture and landscaping. What sparked your passion for creating forests, and how did you end up leading the SUGi Project? 

James Godfrey-Faussett: I transitioned from horticulture to forest creation a few years ago while looking for more meaning and purpose in my life. I've always felt a connection to the peace and wisdom of forests and like most of us find it hard to witness the mindless self harming destruction of these precious biomes that goes on around us. When I learnt more about the Miyawaki Method, that allows us in some way to create forests I was hooked and saw a new path ! 

"Cities should be looked at as living and blending into nature... We should look to blend in with nature, not the other way around."

Team Reblue:   You're known for using the Miyawaki Method to create self-sustaining forests. Can you explain this method in simple terms and share why it's so effective for urban areas?

James Godfrey-Faussett: The Miyawaki Method is just a way of creating areas of forest that establish quickly. Akira Miyawaki ( the creator of the methodology) saw a huge need for fast restoration of diverse native forests. This led him to observe nature and put together a methodology that can be implemented in most environments. 

The methodology is effective in urban areas as it allows relatively small areas of forest to be created that are dense and self-sustaining in a few years. The right choice of tree species also allows biodiversity to flourish. 

"We need a shift away from the complexity of tech and a switch back to nature... the more time spent on tech is less time spent on the ground and actually creating change. Tech and AI can be helpful in monitoring of results and impactfulness though."

Team Reblue:  Your projects, like the Eastbrook Forest and the Forest of Thanks, have made a real impact on local communities. Can you tell us a bit about one of these projects and the difference it has made?

James Godfrey-Faussett: The Forest of Thanks was a 30,000 tree forest we created in East London. At the time I believe it was the largest Miyawaki forest created in Europe. The project was aimed at being a close collaboration with the local community although the covid pandemic compromised this a little sadly. 

"Cities are going to have to change - it's inevitable... The only way forward is to 'green' our cities and look at nature-based solutions."

Team Reblue:  Tackling air pollution is a huge challenge, especially in industrial areas like East London. How do you see urban forests helping to combat this issue, and what results have you seen so far?

James Godfrey-Faussett: Forests offer a natural solution to air pollution and particulate matter reduction.  The more we plant, the more we can reduce the pollution and related negative effects. Trees are able to comb minute particles of pollution out of the air and transfer them to the soil biome where they can be broken down by the microbiology hard at work under our feet. THe more we plant and in a dense forest like manner, the more we can push back against the damaging effects of urban pollution. 

Team Reblue:  Collaboration seems to be key in your work. Can you share a memorable partnership you've had while working on a forest project that really stood out to you?  

James Godfrey-Faussett: Not one in particular, but we work with a lot of children - which is the best collaboration. Children bring joy and life to projects and it's wonderful to see them instinctively connect back to nature.

 "Children bring joy and life to projects... it’s wonderful to see them instinctively connect back to nature."

Team Reblue:  For Chief Sustainability Officers and professionals working in this field, what advice would you give them to effectively drive urban forestry initiatives within their organizations?

 James Godfrey-Faussett: Look at the long term impact of urban forestry. Cities are going to have to change - it's inevitable. The only way forward is to 'green' our cities and look at nature based solutions. Not only does this go some way to combatting the increase in the extremes we are seeing such as flooding and heat island but it improves quality of life for residents. We need an umbrella view where all aspects are covered as this is possible if we integrate with nature. 

 "Forests offer a natural solution to air pollution and particulate matter reduction... the more we plant, the more we can reduce the pollution and related negative effects."

Team Reblue:  With climate change being such a pressing issue, what role do you think community involvement plays in the success of urban forestry projects?

James Godfrey-Faussett: Community is key. There is little point in creating something living and beautiful for it to be ignored by local communities. They should be involved with the regreening of their neighborhoods and feel joy at this involvement. A lot of people sadly don't have access to nature so when people can be involved in an urban rewilding project at least they get to touch and experience as little of the healing we find in nature. 

 "The Miyawaki Method is just a way of creating areas of forest that establish quickly... It allows relatively small areas of forest to be created that are dense and self-sustaining in a few years."

Team Reblue:  As technology continues to evolve, how do you envision AI and other digital tools enhancing your forest-making efforts in the future? Are there any innovative tech solutions you've encountered that have made a significant impact on your work?

James Godfrey-Faussett: Personally I think we need a shift away from the complexity of tech and a switch back to nature. We need to realise that solutions are already there and easy to implement if we look to learn from nature's processes. The more time spent on tech is less time spent on the ground and actually creating change and restoration. 

Tech and AI can be helpful in monitoring of results and impactfulness though, I will say that! 

Team Reblue:  Looking ahead, what's your bold vision for the future of urban forests, and how can we all play a part in making that vision a reality to create a greener, healthier world for generations to come?

James Godfrey-Faussett: Cities and urban areas should be looked at as living and blending into nature - not adding pockets of nature to urban areas. We need a radical mindset shift where we respect nature and all she offers us unconditionally. We should look to blend in with nature, not the other way around. This way we can create harmonious urban areas that could be healthy , clean and a joy to live in.

Photo courtesy of James Godfrey-Faussett.