The Nest: An Urban Forest
The Nest, an urban forest, blends biodiversity thinking and urban planning to create a natural escape for city dwellers. Each Nest is thoughtfully designed to create stepping-stone habitats, fostering native biodiversity, encouraging their movement and supporting local ecosystems.
In a 2023 study, 182 plant species were recorded, including 89 natives to the city. After its transformation in 2024 by the Heritage Project, where over 8000+ plants were planted. The Nest now boasts over 350 diverse species, nearly 200 of which are native. This planting strategy achieves a 70% native to 30% exotic ratio, an ideal balance that enhances biodiversity for a flourishing ecosystem.
With clearly labeled plants and trees to educate visitors, this space promotes biodiversity awareness to preserve and encourage native cultivation. Its contoured streams and diverse habitats create a serene environment that encourages a deep sensory connection with nature.
Embark on a journey to disconnect to reconnect with the natural world by discovering multiple unique zones to experience this cocoon of biodiversity.
Bird Zone
A sanctuary for various bird species, this area features trees with dense foliage that acts as protective habitats. Birds are vital to the ecosystem as they help control pests, pollinate plants, and disperse seeds.
Medicinal Zone
Home to a variety of healing plants, this zone highlights species with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, many of which are key ingredients in traditional Ayurvedic medicine.
Butterfly Zone
A colorful haven for butterflies, this zone is filled with nectar-rich plants that attract different species, helping to sustain a healthy ecosystem.
Aroma Zone
This fragrant area showcases blooming plants year-round, enticing pollinators and creating an inviting atmosphere for visitors.
Indigenous Zone
Dedicated to educating visitors about Maharashtra's native plants, this zone emphasizes the importance of local flora in maintaining ecological balance.
Semi-Aquatic Zone
Featuring hydrophytes that thrive in wet environments, this zone plays a critical role in water purification and supports diverse aquatic life.
Carbon-Sink Zone
Essential for combating climate change, this zone captures carbon dioxide and supports diverse ecosystems through bamboo groves and complementary native plants.
The Heritage Project is working in collaboration with Nature: re-developing The Nest as a part of the Green Corridor Project of RPG Foundation. This project is funded by Zensar Technologies and CEAT tyre.

Microhabitat 1
Look out for the cup-shaped cocoons made by cup moth larvae as they undergo transformation to become adult moths.

Microhabitat 2
This decaying bark hosts a variety of fungi species that serve as bioindicators informing us about the health of the ecosystem.

Microhabitat 3
Hidden in the climbers of the Devil’s backbone are spider webs woven by the Jumping Spider.

Microhabitat 4
These mounds are made by termites, nature’s waste reducers using soil, plants, and plastics.

Microhabitat 5
Look out for the green layer on the bark made up of mosses to help the bark retain moisture.

Vermicompost Pit
The green and brown waste from the Nest is recycled into “black gold,” a nutrient-rich addition to the soil as manure. (Note: Black gold is a widely used term for Vermicompost in the biodiversity field)