A barren, unproductive plot of land in the “heart” of Neapolis in western Thessaloniki is preparing to be “transformed” into the first urban edible forest in the country.

Towards the end of February, a total of 750 trees, from cherry, chestnut, apple and peach trees to goji berries, sea buckthorn and gooseberries, will begin to be planted on a one-acre site in the Strebenioti area.

The plans for the creation of an urban thicket with fruit trees and plants are ready by the municipality of Neapolis-Sykeon, in collaboration with the Mamagaia Environmental Organization, and the students and the residents of the Strebenioti area are getting ready to join the “game” of participation.
“We are trying to create the first urban edible forest. Possibly the term causes a little confusion, but we very easily imagine that the trees that will be planted will be productive and in a short period of time we will see rapid results for the production of food”, he said to the radio station of the APE – MPE “Agency 104, 9Fm” the director of Mamaia, Periklis Chatzinakos.

As Mr. Hatzinakos said, the benefits for the region will be many. In addition to the environmental, as opportunities will be created to access food for animals and birds and from the creation of a new green space, there will also be social benefits as the element of cultivation in the urban environment is not yet strong in Greek culture.

“The planting of a total of 750 trees and plants, a wide variety, will take place towards the end of February because we have to catch up with the planting season. We follow science and do not plant in summer”, added Mr. Chatzinakos.

Citizens can also participate in this special “green” experience, to whom on Sunday, February 4, the first edible forest that will be created in the Strebenioti area will be presented. As part of the event that will take place at the Neapolis municipal store, a visit will be made to the place where the forest will be “born”.

The choice of the site was based on its proximity to many schools and residences, in order to facilitate the direct contact of students and neighbors with the usefulness and benefits of the edible forest. The goal is for people to actively participate in all stages of preparation, planning, implementation and care of the space following the principles of sustainable cultivation.