Tree walks

A short trip report (01-Sep-2024) walk:

We embarked on our nature trip at 8:15 AM, first area to explore was the Safari Park.

Among the highlights of our Safari Park exploration were the peculiar dead man's finger fungi, the bracket fungi adorning fallen logs, and the intriguing spherical leaf galls on the Indian ash trees. We also paid a visit to the iconic Parul tree before checking on the progress of the newly planted saplings (that we planted in early August this year).

We saw palash (yellow variety), haritaki (myrobalan), Kanchan (Bauhinia variegata), powder-puff tree (Barringtonia racemose, another variety of Barringtonia which was not present in RS) and a few other species (like Indian coral tree, water apple etc.) among the newly planted saplings. Looked like all of them are doing well so far.

We saw three woody climbers, Tiliacora acuminata, Hiptage benghalensis, Petrea volubilis. The first two are indigenous.  

Thereafter we went to the BRC side of the park to see Miyawaki plantations. There were two such patches, one older and smaller, and other larger and more recent. Some of the trees that we identified there are - Mango, Jackfruit, Ber, Falsa, Kapok, Tun, Jamun, Water apple, Bel, elephant apple, karamcha (Carissa carandas), kamranga (star fruit), shiuli,

As the trip drew to a close, we dispersed, carrying with us the memories of a truly enriching nature trip. The serene beauty of the lake, reflection for blue sky and white cloud, the vibrant butterflies fluttering among the wedelia and lantana, and the harmonious coexistence of diverse species left a lasting impression on us.

In order to spread awareness and enthusiasm for tree spotting among the nature lovers I have been conducting tree walks (at no cost) in Rabindra Sarobar, Kolkata. This started just before the second lockdown (March/April 2021). Thereafter it has become almost regular, almost 5-6 times a year. Here are some of the photographs. Usually the notice of these tree walks are posted in the Facebook group called "Biodiversity of Rabindra Sarobar". Also, there is a "core" WhatsApp group for tree enthusiasts of Rabindra Sarobar. You may join that group if you are interested by clicking here. 

Images below are contributed by the tree walk participants.

In 2022 I conducted 5 tree walks from mid Feb to Mid April. This year the theme was to see the trees flowering.

In May 2022 there was a special tree/nature walk with Nick Lowe Dy High Commissioner UK,   Acharapan Yavaprapas Consul General Thailand, Nutt S Salee Vice Consul Thailand  Elizabeth Hamilton Vice Consul US at Rabindra Sarobor. Whole initiative curated by BAUL Foundation lead by Samrat Chowdhury, Chief Mentor and Co Founder towards natural heritage awareness. Special thanks to LensnWings.