Nature Fix Plants 1,000 Saplings in Pune’s Protected Nature Area, Letting Nature Take the Lead

At Nature Fix we don’t just plant trees, we restore habitats. This season we’re planting 1,000 saplings in a nature-restricted area near Pune, a protected pocket where young trees can grow with minimal human interference and where restoration returns land to nature on nature’s terms.

Why plant inside a protected area?

Urban greening is vital, but so is giving space back to ecosystems that can regenerate on their own. Planting inside a nature-restricted area allows saplings to establish within a larger, intact landscape. 

They’re buffered from heavy human use, better connected to wildlife corridors, and able to mature into functional forest structures that support native biodiversity. This is active restoration that accelerates natural recovery rather than replacing it.

Benefits of planting and fresh air

Planting 1,000 native saplings in a protected area gives more shade, cooler air and safe homes for birds and insects.

This fresh green cover makes the place feel calmer and improves people’s wellbeing. Young trees also help clean the air by capturing dust and pollutants on their leaves.

How this will help to improve AQI

As trees grow they absorb carbon, release oxygen and reduce harmful gases that worsen pollution. Restoring continuous native vegetation strengthens nature’s ability to filter the air around Pune.

Over time this reduces PM2.5 and PM10 levels and helps improve the city’s overall AQI.

Thoughtful species selection

We prioritise locally native species chosen to match the reserve’s soils, hydrology and ecological character. Rather than ornamental mixes, the saplings are primarily canopy and understorey natives that belong in these landscapes, species that support local birds, insects and mammals, improve soil health and help rebuild natural food webs. 

Saplings are sourced from trusted local nurseries and, where possible, raised from seeds collected within the region to preserve local genetic suitability.

Planting with restraint, care and science

Because the site is protected, every step follows ecological guidance and legal permissions. We’re working with local ecologists, the forest department and community partners to design planting clusters that complement natural regeneration, avoid disruption to existing vegetation, and strengthen habitat connectivity. 

Less hands-on intervention, more monitoring

The aim is for these saplings to grow freely into mature trees. That means aftercare focuses on early establishment, occasional watering only if necessary, mulching, and protection from grazing, rather than intensive pruning or shaping. 

We’ll conduct scheduled monitoring and survival surveys over the next 3–5 years to track progress and intervene only when needed. Biodiversity assessments before and after planting will help us measure benefits for birds, pollinators and other wildlife.

Partnerships and community stewardship

Even in a restricted area, people matter. This project is a collaboration: Nature Fix, conservation scientists, local forest authorities and nearby communities are working together to ensure the site remains protected and thrives. 

Where access is allowed, we’ll organise small, supervised planting events with trained volunteers and schools; most engagement will be educational and supportive, helping with seed collection, nursery propagation and remote monitoring rather than unrestricted visitation.

What this will deliver

• Reconnected habitat patches that improve wildlife movement and breeding opportunities.
• Greater resilience to climate extremes through deeper-rooted native vegetation.
• Long-term gains for soil health, water infiltration and ecosystem services that benefit surrounding communities.

How you can support

You can contribute by sponsoring saplings or monitoring equipment, supporting our nursery partners, or joining supervised restoration activities when they’re scheduled. Share the story to build support for protected-area restoration.

Planting 1,000 saplings inside a nature-restricted area is Nature Fix’s commitment to letting ecosystems heal. This is restoration guided by science and respect for wild processes, a small step that helps create a healthier, wilder future for Pune and the species that call it home. 

Join us in supporting nature’s own recovery.