Silence Forest started when the Auroville Master Plan was restructured. Silence was originally located where Bharat Nivas is now. More information about the early days of the forest can be found in the book Better to Have Gone by Akash Kapur. Prominent early members who were involved in one way or the other include Jocelyn and Jaap who now live in Ravena.

Acreage: 12 acres | Steward: Dave

About Us

The special feature of the forest is that it is rather old, and well-protected, (mostly due to benign neglect); in this way, some of the trees may be close to 50 years old. Also, there is a rather large colony of bats living there.

Dave, the current steward of the forest has an MSc in Ecological Forestry and has been experimenting with the management of the forest. For instance, a part of the forest has been left as a ‘sanctuary’, meaning that it has been left as it is for the last 20 years or so, without clearing of thorns or additional planting.


Aspiration

Dave's aspirations for the future are to finish fencing the entire plot to prevent drinking parties and cows from encroaching.

To complete the ongoing bunding work;

To form an effective green corridor connecting other forest communities (Discipline, Miracle, Nine Palms and Revelation).