Living Heritage Koslanda
Tucked away on the slopes of Koslanda, this 80 acre site would have once been virgin rainforest. Many lands in this vicinity have seen the cultivation of tea and other crops including rubber, coffee and pepper over the years. Abandoned in the 1950s, nature began to reclaim the land once more and the result today is an intriguing mix of native Sri Lankan plants, long-forgotten crops and introduced species. The stream which winds its way through the property, forms a beautiful waterfall that continues its journey and helps sustain the eco system of the property and beyond.
Founded on a principle of sustainability, Living Heritage Koslanda is committed to promoting sustainable tourism and preserving and enhancing the natural environment whilst keeping the village economy alive by creating employment opportunities for the local community (www.koslanda.com). In mid-2023, the property joined the growing list of partners of PLANT and will help provide critical links for species movement in this region through the conservation of over 40 Acres of forested land, in addition to its eco-tourism footprint.
A reforestation initiative had been introduced previously, replanting several native tree species. The resort has its own organic garden, and the produce is used to prepare healthy meals for the guests. As part of the MOU, Living Heritage will create and maintain a plant nursery, which would be utilized to grow montane species and act as a plant bank for other PLANT locations at similar altitudes and ecological conditions. Biodiversity projects which will promote environmental protection, reduce invasive species, and engage in further ecosystem restoration, are part of the future plans.
An abundance of bird life, including the very rare Malaba Trogon, Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher, Racket-tailed Drongo and Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher, has been observed alongside Barking Deer and many varieties of butterflies and moths. This forest is also on the route elephants have used for centuries when they leave the plains below to move to the hills during the dry seasons.