The Southern and especially Forecomers forest lands were some of the first lands purchased by Auroville in the 1960's. Since then Auroville has slowly bought more land in this area, which is now around 200 acres and represents the largest patch of contiguous forest in Auroville. It is made up of 5 different stewarded areas which go by the names of: Newlands, Mango field, Ravena, Forecomers, Success. In Ravena, a nursery supplies around 6000 TDEF species per year to various Auroville forest communities. These forests are situated towards the end of one of Aurovilles watersheds, and they play a large role in percolating excess runoff from higher up the watershed. Huge canyons were formed in this area during the years when the Auroville plateau was barren. Bunds were made higher up on the watershed and check dams were built inside the canyons. Now the canyons and surrounding areas are covered in dense vegetation, but it was not easy.. The ground was basically rock when the first Aurovillians began this impressive adventure.