Building forest ecosystems within glass containers - "Forest in a Bottle" workshops in Bielsko-Biała
In the heart of Bielsko-Biała, on July 23, 2025, a unique ecological workshop named "Forest in a Jar" took place at the Senior Centre. This collaborative effort between the organiser and Stellantis, as part of the "Green Pulse of Silesia" project, aimed to promote ecology and conservation.
The workshop provided a hands-on experience for participants to create their own miniature ecosystems inside jars or terrariums, connecting them with nature while learning ecological concepts and practising mindfulness.
The day began with the preparation of materials, including clear jars with lids, small rocks or pebbles, charcoal, soil, live plants suitable for closed terrariums, and decorative elements. Participants were also given the opportunity to include small critters like snails to illustrate ecosystem interactions.
Following the material preparation, the workshop leader explained the science behind closed ecosystems, helping participants understand how plants, water, air, and decomposers cycle nutrients and maintain balance. The roles of each component were discussed, from rocks for drainage, charcoal for filtration, soil as a growing medium, to plants for oxygen and photosynthesis.
Moments of quiet reflection were incorporated, encouraging participants to observe the details of their miniature forest—the textures, colours, moisture—and to consider their personal connection to nature and the importance of ecological balance.
Participants were then guided to layer rocks, charcoal, soil, and plants carefully inside their jars, discussing how each layer contributes to the ecosystem. Water was added sparingly to avoid mold, and the jars were sealed to create self-sustaining environments.
Instructions on how to care for their jars, signs of a healthy ecosystem, and how the miniature forest models larger environmental processes were provided. The broader environmental issues like habitat preservation and biodiversity were also discussed.
The workshop concluded with optional enhancements such as a short forest bathing session or art exercises like nature journaling or watercolor painting inspired by the terrarium.
The "Forest in a Jar" workshop was held in a warm, friendly atmosphere, attracting 12 participants, including 11 women and 1 man. Each participant took home a finished ecosystem, a jarred forest, totaling 12 unique creations.
These jarred forests serve not only as aesthetic decorations but also as reminders of the beauty and fragility of nature. The "Green Pulse of Silesia" project, of which the workshop was a part, aims to promote environmental awareness and sustainability in the Silesia region.
References: 1. TikTok DIY Terrarium Guide 2. Shinrin-yoku: The Art and Science of Forest Bathing 3. Instagram DIY Terrarium Inspiration 4. The Science of Closed Ecosystems 5. Mindful Ecology: A Workshop Manual
- The hands-on "Forest in a Jar" workshop, held in Bielsko-Biała on July 23, 2025, combined elements of home-and-garden projects, lifestyle, and education-and-self-development, offering participants a unique opportunity to practice sustainable-living principles by creating self-sustaining miniature ecosystems.
- By showcasing the creation of these jarred forests and incorporating mindfulness practices, personal-growth centered topics like the interconnectedness of nature, individual relationships with the environment, and the importance of ecological balance were explored, reinforcing the broader goals of the "Green Pulse of Silesia" project for promoting sustainability in the region.
