Even at the beginning of the 20th century thick forests existed in Korom and Vellur Villages.  The forests of Kanayi and other area were the location of the  hunting stories of Vengayil Kunhiraman Nayanar.

Payyanur and surrounding areas have rich growth of lowland forests called “kavus”(sacred groves) . Chamakkavu at Vellur, Thalayanneri Poomalakavu of  Annur , Poomalakavu of Kanayi, Veeran Kottam of Kanayi are specially noted for their  sacred groves.  These groves are having a major role in the ecosystem as well as the agriculture  of the region. They are very rich with the bio-fertilizers. They provide shelters to various birds, butterflies and snakes which control the growth of rats and pests and thus help the farmers.   Rare and valuable medicinal herbs are also found in these groves.

Kandal (Mangroves)

Payyanur is a place surrounded by rivers and so have a rich growth of Mangroves all over the banks of these rivers.  Mangroves, (known as “kandal”) are of great importance in several aspects.  In addition to their aesthetic appeal , they are valuable place for birds and provide spawning and nursery ground for a host of fish, many of them  of commercial importance or  are of rare species.  The fall of leaves and twigs from the mangrove supports a range of invertebrates at the base of a complex food chain .  The ability of mangroves in the prevention of soil erosion is very high.  Unfortunately the attack on the nature , like everywhere else, has been noticed here also.  But to the relief of nature lovers  there are a number of environmental organizations in and around  Payyanur who sincerely work to protect  the mangroves  particularly as well as take part in all environmental issues actively.  The effort of environmental organization, SEEK is remarkable. They are publishing environmental magazine ‘Soochimukhi’ for more than one decade.  To protect the rich growth of these mangroves the nature lovers of Kunhimangalam even went to the extent of purchasing  3 acres of  land with mangroves . Various social organizations at Payyanur has actively involved on most of the environmental issues and succeeded in their efforts.

Kappad area of Korom village, eastern area of Perumba bridge, Chittarikovval and east side of Karamel are specially noted for mangroves.  Six varieties of mangroves , three varieties of semi-mangroves and nine varieties of mangrove associates are observed in these areas.  30 species of fishes ,  20 species of birds, 4 species of prawns are found in these mangrove areas.  These mangroves also provide shelter for various migratory birds like White Storks . 3 species of butterflies are found in Payyanur region.

Vellur Chamakkavu: Will  be added soon