Belipola Arboretum
The Worlds First Analog Forest
ABOUT
In order to share human space with the forests we have created the worlds first Analog Forest (AF). A forest that is similar to a 'native forest' considering structure and function.
Here we offer:
Analog Forestry and related education workshops
(affiliated with the International Analog Forestry Network IAFN)
Pay-to-Stay
@Belipola
$20 per person per night / all meals included
or
Volunteer (based on skill and pre-discussed terms)
Belipola Arboretum offers you the hands-on-experience of how a forest system can be restored in a very short time in order to support an early onset of ecological maturity. At Belipola this maturity is complemented by a mix of native and exotic plant diversity that is rare, useful.
IN-SITU:
- Collection of rare and endemic trees growing in symbiosis
- Study AF methodology
- Collaborate on ways to implant AF on your lands
- Research opportunity [soil, biomass and biodiversity]
- Building value-chains : New markets and economic potential
Belipola Arboretum is a man made forest where ecological ideas are practiced in experimental as well as experiential ways. Residencies and research opportunity is available via the International Analog Forestry Network and building awareness to increase biomass and biodiversity (B:B ratios) in over 20 countries.
Belipola Arboretum is managed by EarthRestoration
Accommodation
Forest immersion and traditions across the globe have demonstrated the healing nature of forests. Immerse you self in an experience of unique spirit, while learning about our maturing forest and its dynamic component of biodiversity.
OUR SERVICES
Belipola is a research station for Analog Forestry and its application towards improving our collections. You can participate or spend time immersed in the many offerings of Belipola
Free Wifi
Is available in select spaces on our property.
In these designated zones, accessibility is relatively consistent.
Bird Watching
@ Belipola you are sure to see most of the regional species and those rare species too. Because our forest is concerned and designed with biodiversity in mind, these feathered species are able to find their niche within our stratified forest canopies. The seasons that overlap between immigrants, natives and endemics is sure to keep you actively involved in observation day and night.
You are encouraged to take photographs and update our sightings calendar together with the arboretum staff.
River Bathing
The river that begins in the Haputale Mountains runs below our forest, is the separation between the forest garden farm and monoculture farms.
For those willing to brave the cool water and gentle but white watered rapids, it is an ideal river for safe bouldering and bathing.
Analog Forestry and Organic Farming practice workshops
Hosted by our partners International Analog Forestry Network & EarthRestoration
all in-situ slearning related ecological ideas are accredited internationally, while being discussed on global networks spanning 20 countries .
(Please see our EDUCATION Schedule if you wish to learn or gain accreditation for implementing AF )
Trail Walks
Belipola is 20 acres of an old degraded tea estate. There is a peripheral circuit trail and many internal trails over lapping each other.
Level 2 hiking - moderate easy with some climbing that can be avoided to the most part.
Your walk will be in a high Oxygen zone that is produced by the leaves of our forest trees.
Today more than ever it is identified that these forest immersions can be hugely beneficial to your immunity.
Habitat for Biodiversity
Belipola maintains collections of rare species of flora and fauna in an 'in-situ' collection analogous features. We pioneer and facilitate research methods by which these could be incorporated into anthropogenic ecosystems defining ecological values for conservation as well as restoration.
You can participate with our staff in this task
Meditation/ Reading & Yoga
There are a number of available spaces in our gardens capable of hosting 1-4 persons for intimate group gatherings or time in seclusion. The forest we preserve and design is one analogous to nature, as such there are many effects you will be experienced in while you practice your meditation in movement or in still.
Adaptation Strategies for climate resilience.
At Belipola we are focussed on implementing strategies for mitigating terrestrial heat stress in 2019 by shifting our high production ('edge effect') landscape towards designing a more tree dominant food production zone.
Here you can participate to help us plant a 3 tier'd orchard comprised of native and exotic fruit that will yield considering minimal caregiving past the first 4 years of growth.
EarthRestoration
Belipola is the home to an ongoing bio-socio-economic experiment that can quantify your contributions of Oxygen and Clean Water Cycling to the atmosphere.
For every tree that you invest into the surrounding landscape, a fund transacts tangible longterm economic benefit to individuals.
Participate and you gain a BioCurrency wallet with wealth implications for the future.
FOOD and related...
Non-Caffeinated teas and fresh herb garnishing.
The Analog Forest at Belipola provides a range of simple and nutritious foods.
Tree-crops, inter-cropping, forest grown spices, and permanent human culture supports a vast variety of useful and highly nutritional food which has generated the possibility of creating minimalist menus that reflect the diversity of our Analog Forest. We also source food crops locally from select home gardens and fruiting trees in the area that you can visit in your time spent here.
If you are keen, you can help in the kitchen (homestyle) and add your own touch to the food being served.
Our food is the result of
- A wholesome and clean environment
- No toxins or agrochemicals
- A healthy living ocean of soil
- Sustainable design for productivity
- Locally crafted tastes and flavors
- Dedicated attention to the conservation of our Analog Forest.
Dining
Is scheduled, though can be made flexible in special instances. All meals are served in a common dining facility that is designed in a traditional old-home style kitchen that may often smell of wood-fire.
Breakfast and Lunch
is included.
100% organic
Sri Lankan
Seasonal foods
Simple preparations
Dinner
will be a creative 'mix and match' of above
soup or a light snack
