UNDERSTANDING THE CONTEXT: CUES TO TAKE FROM THE SITE

Every site has a story to tell– the story of its land, water and vegetation. Listen more and observe more to uncover this story. Indigenous and seasonal plants attract local butterflies, improve pollination and allow many more native plants to proliferate. Our sites have many clues hidden in plain sight– within the trees, plants and shrubbery, for example:

a. The presence of a Mango tree with a dense canopy or a good Oudumber or Kadamba tree around the site indicates that the region has rich aquifers and a good water table.

b. A dense cluster of trees is an indication of the presence of water.

b. The presence of wild Colocasia indicates that water would collect at that spot throughout the year.

c. Moringa and Neem trees are sure to be home to a wide variety of local and migrating birds.

d. The presence of Shankasur or Caesalpinia is likely to attract bulbuls.

e. Fish-tail Palms are beloved by Barbets, Coppersmiths and even Hornbills.