Pipal Tree and its local partners The Mithila Wildlife Trust and Lily’s Leaves have been pioneering the rapid-growth Miyawaki Method of reforestation in Nepal, creating thriving forests in just three years rather than thirty. Our first project began in December 2021 with the Bird Park in Dhanusha District, south Nepal, where we have transformed exhausted community land into a vibrant forest of mixed native trees alongside wetlands. Since then, it has been remarkable to witness the rapid return of biodiversity, from rare and exotic birds to a variety of four-legged mammals.

The latest arrivals are a pair of Jungle Cats that have taken up residence in our Bird Park forest. Although these cats are not endangered in Nepal – there are an estimated 10,000 across the country – their presence here is a first, and a strong sign of a healthy ecosystem taking shape. As predators at the apex of the food chain, they signal that the habitat is supporting a broad and balanced web of life.

On a very different note, it has also been an excellent week for Pipal Tree’s fundraising. Our Big Give summer appeal for schools for ‘untouchable’ children not only reached our £50,000 target but exceeded it by £238. And yesterday we achieved our £25,000 pledge target for the forthcoming Big Give Christmas campaign. This means that if, as we hope, The Big Give identifies one of its in-house ‘Champions’ to match this pledge amount, we’ll enter the December appeal with a combined total of £50,000 in matching pledges. This can incentivise and double up online donations as we aim to reach our £100,000 goal.

So, in December, whether you’re a feline admirer or not, you’ll have a chance to contribute towards extending our Jungle Cat habitat even more. But in the meantime, if you’re writing or updating a Will do think about giving Pipal Tree a mention. We stand ready to plant a forest as a vital and permanent memorial to a legator and I am always ready to discuss possibilities.