Coco Hill Forest - Rejuvenate Yourself In Its Tranquillity
By Rekke Editorial
An exceptional biodiverse haven nestled in rural Barbados. Immerse yourself in this forest sanctuary with many views!
What started as a mission to grow food locally and sustainably to provide a substitute to the imported food in hotelier and filmmaker, Mahmood Patel’s hotel cafe at Ocean Spray Apartments has now developed into Coco Hill Forest.
This 53-acre regenerative agroforestry project was started in 2014 by Mahmood Patel. Given the growing interest of visitors who came to see the farm in the first few years, Mahmood started creating hiking trails and offering guided tours of the forest.
The project now features 3.5km of hiking trails overlooking the east coast of Barbados, weaving through the regenerative agroforestry project and a lush primary rainforest. On the west hill, they are using regenerative agroforestry methods and terracing to repair the ecosystem and prevent soil erosion, both of which are the result of decades of sugarcane monoculture in the area. On the east hill, they are looking to preserve the rare and unique biodiversity of one of the last pieces of primary forest standing on the island, over 90% of it has been cut down already!
Through participation in the Alliance for Actions – Coconuts 2 Project, the development of their coconut nursery will ensure propagation of coconut trees on the island, as well as research and monitoring on genetics, pests and diseases in the coconut sector.
Why are coconut trees important? Millions of people in the tropical world relied on the coconut tree for their livelihoods using the dried white flesh of the coconut in the production of coconut oil. However in the 1970’s, the industry saw a sharp decline when coconut oil received bad press and people abandoned coconut plantations.
Today the demand for fresh coconut water is the main driving force for this sector. This along with growing awareness and diversification, has encouraged small scale producers of coconut oil, flour and sugar to name a few, to flourish.
One of the main benefits of coconut farming is the ability to intercrop the plantations with bananas, cocoa, ginger and turmeric; bringing the landscape closer to the original lush vegetation that once covered this island.
Historically, following the geological formation of Barbados, the island was covered in lush vegetation and was home to a wide array of plants. The indigenous Amerindians used to clear small areas of forest for growing crops and then moved on to new plots when the soil became less fertile. In time the unused plots would naturally replenish themselves.
English settlers arriving in the 1600’s replaced a lot of the original forests with large sugar cane plantations and becamesignificant producers of sugar, rum and molasses. In so doing they cleared vast tracts of land which resulted in environmental degradation through soil erosion, loss of fertility and reduced biodiversity.
Mahmood Patel has now developed this land into one of Barbados’s leading conservation projects, by reforesting the land. Like Walkers Reserve, he has introduced terraces to limit soil erosion, whilst practising vertical interplanting of fruit trees, spices and medicinal plants to create a working model of sustainable horticulture. This growing awareness of the importance of forests for the ecological health of the land, climate and protecting biodiversity is beginning to take effect and is one of the success stories of Barbados.
Visit this amazing project where you can immerse yourself in the 53-acre regeneration project in many ways.
Take a guided or self-guided tour through the forest on the 3.5km of hiking trails and pause to admire the views of the Atlantic Ocean. Learn more about Barbados’ biodiversity and the tropical fruit trees, herbs, spices and other fauna that make up the regenerative agroforestry project. Or follow the green therapy trail and indulge in a spot of forest bathing and listen as the bamboos make soothing noises in the wind.
Nestled in the middle of the forest is a sheltered gazebo, with stunning views all around – an ideal spot for a picnic!
Perhaps this could be your ideal venue for a private event, whether that is a birthday party, wedding, a yoga retreat or for forest bathing and camping. Coco Hill Forest gives a complete and holistic natural experience.
Rum is everywhere on the island and there are some inventive creations such as the Ginger Liqueur from Coco Hill, made with homegrown ginger and aged Foursquare Distilleries rum to produce a refined smooth, aromatic drink
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