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“Forest man” transforms barren island into wildlife haven

Words by Smiley Team

After discovering snakes, dying from the heat on a barren island in India’s Brahmaputra River, Jadav Payeng vowed to spend his life transforming the wasteland into a paradise. 

By planting trees the environmentalist realised that he could attract more animals to live there, reduce soil erosion and have numerous other positive impacts on this neglected piece of land.

So every day since finding the snakes in 1979 aged 16, he has planted a sapling on the island. Today, after nearly 40 years, what once was a desert has transformed into a haven for elephants, rhinos, Bengal tigers and many other species spanning India’s animal kingdom. 

Payeng told the national newspaper, The Hindu: “People want to know my story. I tell them I just plant trees, and I’d like all of you to do so. Trees are the lifeline of the forest. They don’t just give us shade and oxygen. They feed birds and animals and balance our ecosystem. If there is no life left, what is the use of all the advancements we have made?”

Thanks to his work, the Indian government named Payeng “the forest man” to mark World Earth Day in 2010. Since his story went viral, the environmentalist has travelled the world, giving talks and attending conferences.



Our collective responsibility to nature

By ensuring he planted a variety of trees, starting with bamboo trees then cotton trees, Payeng has created a natural habitat for all kinds of wildlife. 

To emulate his valuable work in the UK, you too can make a difference and, with planting season stretching from November to March, now is the perfect time to start

For advice and to source saplings, visit the Woodland Trust’s website. They are giving away thousands of trees for free to schools and communities. They can also help design your woodland and select the best species for your land.

With more roots in the ground and leaf cover overhead, tree planting can help slow climate change, protect biodiversity and prevent soil erosion.

This article aligns with the following UN SDGs

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