A space for ecological engagement, exploration and restoration

Satvan is an evolving space at The Valley School for people to engage with, explore and deepen their relationship with the natural world.

We see ecological restoration as more than the act of restoring a landscape. It is also an opportunity to understand the intricate relationships that sustain life, reconsider our place within the natural world and explore different ways of living alongside it.

Native Plant Restoration and Conservation (NPRC)

The Native Plant Restoration and Conservation Programme is one of Satvan’s core initiatives, dedicated to conserving and promoting the native plant diversity of our region.

Rooted in the understanding that ecological restoration begins with recognising and nurturing the plants that belong to a landscape, Satvan works towards creating a living repository of native seeds, plants and ecological knowledge, with a particular focus on the South Deccan Plateau and Deccan Thorn Scrub ecoregions.

The initiative builds on The Valley School’s longstanding engagement with ecological restoration on its campus, spanning over three decades, as well as its restoration work at Kaigal in Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh. These landscapes serve as important sources of native seeds and plant material, supporting the conservation and propagation of the region’s indigenous flora.

What we do

At the heart of the programme are a native seed bank and a plant nursery, which together serve as a living repository of the region’s plant diversity. We collect, document, store and propagate seeds of native trees, shrubs, herbs and other wild plants, including species that are becoming increasingly uncommon in our changing landscapes.

Our work extends beyond growing plants. We seek to deepen our knowledge of native species, their ecological relationships, propagation requirements and their role in restoring local ecosystems.

The nursery and its surrounding landscapes also serve as a living laboratory and space for observation, where students, educators and visitors can engage directly with nature. Through observation and hands-on experiences, we hope to foster a deeper appreciation of plants, biodiversity, ecological processes and conservation.

Our objectives

• Conserve the native plant diversity and genetic resources of our region through seed collection, documentation and propagation.
• Increase the availability and accessibility of native saplings for ecological restoration.
• Encourage the rewilding of gardens, farms, school campuses, institutions and other landscapes through the use of appropriate native species.
• Build awareness and understanding of native plants, their ecological relationships and their importance in sustaining biodiversity.
• Create opportunities for experiential learning, research, volunteering and meaningful engagement with nature.

How can parents be part of Satvan?

Satvan welcomes parents who wish to learn about native plants and contribute to nurturing a more ecologically conscious relationship with the natural world. There are several ways to get involved:

• Bring native plants into your spaces: Explore suitable native species for your home gardens, balconies, farms or other spaces you have access to. We can help you make informed choices.
• Visit and volunteer: Spend time at the nursery, participate in seed collection, nursery activities and other conservation-related work, and learn through hands-on experiences.
• Learn and engage: Encourage children to explore the nursery, observe plants and insects, and develop a closer connection with the natural world.
• Support the initiative: Contributions and collaborations help sustain our seed bank, nursery, propagation activities and wider conservation efforts.

At Satvan, we believe that conserving biodiversity is a collective endeavour. Every seed collected, every plant nurtured and every landscape restored brings us a step closer to making native flora an integral part of our everyday lives.

Connect with us

Email: satvan@thevalleyschool.info

Instagram: @satvan.valley