Tiny forests are taking root around the world. These dense forests, often the size of a tennis court, are jam-packed with trees. The density means the forest grows faster, which has made them popular in communities who want to grow forest canopy, making them a popular trend in urban and suburban areas.

But do tiny forests live up to the hype?

Join CBC climate reporter Ben Shingler as he explores this forest phenomenon. Ben takes us on a journey that goes to a tiny forest college students are planting in Montreal, and to Japan to hear the origin story of this movement. On the way we’ll hear from experts about what they think about tiny forests.

Plus, a replay of a CBC Radio classic documentary: The Change in Farming. This doc is about Adam Goddard, a young Toronto composer, and his 90-year-old grandfather, Henry Haws, a lifelong farmer. Adam isn’t a farmer but wants to honour his family’s farming past by doing what he does best, so he records his grandfather talking about farming and puts it to music.

Tiny Forests was reported by Ben Shingler and produced by Craig Desson and Catherine Rolfsen. Originally aired on What on Earth.

Storylines is part of the CBC Audio Doc Unit

Episode 599: My Butt Is Like A Dog's Mouth