How this Mumbaikar is converting his love for nature into a forest in Palghar

Locals and artistes plant saplings at Fool’s Paradise Residency, Palghar. Pics Courtesy/Rupesh Tillu; Wikimedia Commons

For a Mumbaikar, the cool breeze and the sight of trees in every direction can feel like fantasy visual. Actor and theatre personality Rupesh Tillu wanted to create a similar space where people could experience that connection with nature. For this, about six years ago, he bought a patch of land near Jawhar, around 120 kilometres from Mumbai, and named it Fool's Paradise, envisioning it as an artist residency where people could work amid nature. Today, the same location is also home to a mini forest of nearly 600 native trees across more than 50 species.

With a keen interest in nature, Tillu discovered the Miyawaki method during the pandemic and with help from local residents and 22 artistes from Mumbai, he developed the forest as a shared community effort.

Rupesh Tillu

"I always wanted to build an artist residency where you can just go and work and have your own place. I combined that with my love for nature as I grew up with my grandmother for a few years in Karjat and experienced nature very closely. That's when I felt that I should try to invest in a space that combines both my passions," Tillu explains.

That is where the idea of a Miyawaki forest came through. Developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki in the 1970s, the method involves planting native trees close together to create dense forests while increasing the tree cover. For Tillu, it is about rebuilding an ecosystem. "A healthy forest needs three layers: tall canopy trees, medium-sized trees and bushes as forests are not isolated trees; everything is connected," he says.

Saplings of different native species at the Miyawaki forest in Palghar

The plantation is home to species like banyan, peepal, harda, parijat, karanj, kadamb, arjun, bel, jamun, kokum and amla among others. These native species are suited to local conditions and can support birds, insects and pollinators. "The more you learn about trees, the more you realise how much is happening beneath the soil. Everything is connected, but we have learnt to see things in isolation," he says.

For now, the plantation is a small experiment with a much larger goal to complete by the end of the year. Tillu hopes that as the forest grows, local residents will be encouraged to create similar green spaces on unused land. As he explains the science behind the importance of Miyawaki planting, he adds, "People need to see that it works. Once they see the forest growing, they may feel inspired to plant more. For those who are curious, anyone can join in. The more, the merrier," he signs off.

Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki

At The Fools Paradise, Gargaon-Ambepada Road, Grampanchayat- Gargaon, Wada, Jawhar, Palghar.
Log on to @foolsparadiseresidency

How to build a Miyawaki forest

. Source your saplings right: Approach local nurseries or forest department nurseries for native tree saplings suited to your region. Always check which species are available before planning the plantation.

. Gather your materials: Source rice husk from local rice mills or agricultural suppliers, vermicompost from compost producers or nurseries, and dried leaves from gardens or existing green spaces.

. Prepare the soil: Dig to around three feet and mix the excavated soil with dried leaves, rice husk and vermicompost before returning it to the ground.

. Let it rest: Allow the enriched soil to settle for a few months before planting.

. Choose native species: Select trees indigenous to the region to support local biodiversity.

. Plant in layers: Combine tall canopy trees, medium-sized trees and smaller plants or bushes, planting them close together.

. Build an ecosystem: Aim to support soil health, insects, pollinators and birds.

Information Courtesy/Rupesh Tillu