Silence forest started when the Auroville Master Plan was rotated. 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 Kapoor. Prominent early members who were involved one way or the other include Jocelyn and Jaap who now live in Ravena.

The special feature of the forest is that it is rather old, and well protected, (mostly due to a 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.

The biggest challenge is that Silence forest is marked on the master plan as being on the ring road; given recent events, this is a huge threat to the future integrity of the forest.
My 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 up with other forest communities (Discipline, Miracle, 9 palms and Revelation).

Name: Silence (11 acres)
Steward: Dave
Contact: dave@auroville.org.in