Ferns Nature Conservation Society (formally known as Ferns Naturalists Society), registered under the Society Registration Act, 1860 (Reg. 183/2006) is a non-profit conservation organization based in the Wayanad district of Kerala state, India. Wayanad is a gently east sloping plateau with its streams draining into the Kabini River (a tributary of the Cauvery). The Wayanad plateau is a natural landscape subunit of the Western Ghats. Wayanad is famous for the rich biodiversity and the distinct tribal societies it hosts. We work on a range of themes from wildlife and natural resources conservation to empowerment of communities, preservation of culture, and livelihood of people in the Western Ghats. Our prime focus is in empowering stakeholders at all levels for the conservation of natural resources. Ferns works closely with government agencies, research institutions, civil society groups, and community organizations to achieve its goals.
Wayanad is situated along the Deccan plateau to the east of the main watershed line of Western Ghats and has a long history of human civilization. In recent years, this unique landscape has become infamous for its agricultural failures, farmer suicides, environmental degradation, natural disasters, and extreme climatic events.
Ferns was founded in 2006. It was formed as a fraternity of youngsters who had hitherto worked in different spheres of the society. What brought us together was our love for the ecologically and culturally rich landscapes in the Western Ghats, and the fact that they were all facing a string of threats. We especially wanted to address the issues relating to biodiversity, human- nature relations, development and climate change. Sharing the natural ethos of this region, we were aware of the imbalances happening in the landscape due to lopsided developmental activities. This awareness made us commit to strive for the wellbeing of the people and biodiversity of the Western Ghats. Today, this group has developed into a Nature Conservation Society with prime focus on the Western Ghats landscape.