The Department of Geography conducted a field survey on February 16, 2024, to the Dunumadalawa Forest Reserve in Kandy, Sri Lanka. This field survey served as a vital component of the GIS in Land Use Planning course curriculum for fourth-year B.Sc. in GIS students. The primary objective of the field survey was to equip students with the practical skills necessary for understanding and analyzing forest patch dynamics. By immersing themselves in the natural environment of the Dunumadalawa Forest Catchment, students gained invaluable insights into the intricate dynamics of forest eco-systems.

By integrating remote sensing, GIS, and field survey techniques, the study focused on how urban forest patches change in size and composition over time. This field work provide opportunity for students learn about what are the main drivers of urban forest patch dynamics? And how do management practices influence urban forest patch dynamics? In the Dunumadalawa Forest Reserve in Kandy, Sri Lanka. The survey, led by course coordinator Prof. Lalitha Dissanayake and assisted by temporary lecturer Rushanthi Basnayake, aimed to provide students with hands-on experience and empirical knowledge regarding planning forest reserves.