Microforest and cooling island in Junglinster

Microforest & participatory planting

A community cooling island in Junglinster

Junglinster (Luxembourg)

2550

850

October 2025

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The Project

The municipality of Junglinster, Luxembourg, wanted to enhance an unused plot of land located in the heart of an urban neighbourhood and transform it into a new cooling island for local residents.

Despite its steep slope and the constraints created by its layout, the site offered significant potential for the development of a green space. In spring 2025, the municipality therefore asked SOWoods to design a project that would strengthen the presence of nature, improve the local living environment and allow residents to benefit from an accessible green space close to home.

Initial situation

The site was a steep and underused plot located in a residential area. Its topography made the project more complex, but also created an opportunity to develop a distinctive natural space within the neighbourhood.

A path created by the municipality crosses the site. The challenge was therefore to transform this unused land into a vibrant and pleasant place that supports biodiversity, while preserving its natural character.

SOWoods’ solution

SOWoods designed an 850 m² microforest, adapted to the site’s particular configuration and intended to become a future cooling island for the neighbourhood. A diverse selection of local species suited to the project’s context was chosen to stabilise the slope and provide sufficient habitats for local biodiversity.

The planting took place at the end of October 2025 as part of a participatory event involving local residents, municipal representatives and the SOWoods team. Together, the participants contributed to the site’s transformation and the creation of this new green lung.

Crossed by the path created by the municipality, the microforest can be discovered by residents as they walk through the site. As it develops, it will provide a cooler, more vibrant and welcoming environment for both local residents and biodiversity.

Benefits

Ecologocial :

Transformation of unused land into a new space supporting biodiversity.
Gradual creation of habitats and food resources for birds, insects and small wildlife.
Greater diversity of vegetation within the neighbourhood.
Progressive improvement of soil quality and soil life.
Stabilisation of the slope through adapted vegetation.

Climate-related :

Gradual creation of a cooling island within an urban environment.
Development of shaded areas along the path and around the microforest.
Improved rainwater infiltration into the soil.
Gradual carbon storage within the vegetation and soil.
Greater neighbourhood resilience during periods of high temperatures.

Social :

Enhancement of a previously underused area for the benefit of local residents.
Creation of a place for walking, relaxation and reconnecting with nature.
Direct involvement of residents in the transformation of their living environment.
An opportunity for residents, municipal representatives and the SOWoods team to meet and work together.
Hands-on awareness of the role of trees and vegetation in urban environments.