Attend this overnight camp inside Aarey Forest to explore its unique environment

The best way to read this story might be to flick the lights off grab a flashlight and follow it line by line because thatrsquos exactly how participants will be navigating the thick woods of the Aarey Forest tomorrow at the Night In The Forest overnight camp The rare afterhours opening of trails at the Bombay Natural History Societyrsquos section of the forest is timed thoughtfully to align with a clear sky The fluctuating AQI levels have been a bit of a troublemaker we learn But the wait is going to be worth itAn owl spotted at a night trail at BNHS in March 2024While some hardcore Mumbaikars might fit the classification the cityrsquos true nocturnal life forms come to life in the green lungs of the city postsunset in large numbers ldquoOwing to laws and regulations the general public is starved of the primal experience of wandering through the forest and meeting our nocturnal coinhabitants in the cityrdquo sighs nature education officer Shardul Bajikar At the trail naturalists Meehir Pawar Bhushan Poshe Kunal Purandare and Jayesh Minde will join Bajikar to ensure a safe and informed walk through a 1km trailTurning heads during the trail quite literally will possibly be the most popular nocturnal animals mdash owls ldquoYou might not spot them but you will definitely hear them from the woodsrdquo Bajikar informs us If yoursquore the lsquosee it to believe itrsquo kind nocturnal snakes like the bamboo pit viper reptiles such as geckos and insects from the moth family along with their hungry predators like spiders will put on an interesting show ldquoA dark environment is essential for these species to complete their life cycles To that end we will restrict the usage of artificial lights to the bare minimumrdquo he assures usA previous skygazing session at BNHS CEC in GoregaonThe trail also comes right in time for a rare celestial event While the stars remain elusive the planets of the Solar System are all set to align for what astronomers have labelled the Planetary Parade beginning on January 18 ldquoIf the conditions permit we should be able to spot at least Mercury Venus and Mars through our specialised telescopesrdquo Bajikar reveals Those who wish to capture the special moment can bring their camerasIf you wake up to the unreal sight of hundreds of butterflies fluttering all around you the following day donrsquot bother pinching yourself ldquoThis is the season for butterflies to congregate in the forest especially near water bodies When these winged wonders move in flutters itrsquos a sight to beholdrdquo the organiser says While Mumbaikars soak in the unusual silence mdash Bajikar suggests they sit down to meditate for at least five minutes in peace while there mdash the forests are in fact calling out for help ldquoLight pollution is realThe unregulated usage of bright lights during the night leaks into the forest and disturbs lifecycles We have seen a concerning uptick in movement of insects away from the interiors of the forestrdquo Bajikar remarks While we are not sure how the city that never sleeps will navigate this dilemma it should suffice to pray let there be just enough darkness ON January 18 4 pmMEETING POINT BNHS Conservation Education Center GoregaonCALL 9821120494 to registerENTRY Revealed on request