Forest Hill: Wild Tea from Ancient Trees in Sri Lanka

Forest Hill

At the foot of Adam’s Peak in Sri Lanka’s Sabaragamuwa province lies Forest Hill Tea. In this mountain region the abandoned Warnagala tea plantation was given new life. What was once a forgotten estate grew into a rich forest environment with semi-wild tea trees. These were planted more than a century ago during British colonisation.

After 130 years the trees have grown into imposing specimens ten to twenty metres tall. Pluckers with years of experience climb these trees to harvest the young leaves by hand.

A landscape that shapes the tea

Warnagala lies on the lower slopes of the Sri Pada mountain range in Sri Lanka, where moist air from the lowlands meets cooler mountain wind. This microclimate creates regular mist, gentle temperatures and a forest floor that remains moist throughout the year.

The landscape resembles a natural forest rather than a classic tea plantation. The tea trees growing here were planted as bushes during the colonial period. Through decades of neglect they have grown into trees of exceptional height. Their roots grow deep into the ground, giving the leaves a pronounced earthy and mineral undertone.

Wild tea and collaboration with small gardens

Forest Hill is known for rare teas that come directly from this exceptional forest environment. The estate’s own wild tea forms the core of the business, but alongside this it also supports surrounding smaller tea gardens. This creates a diverse offering that strengthens the region as a whole and gives small producers access to a market where quality and origin take centre stage.

Sustainable agriculture and social engagement

Forest Hill’s vision extends beyond tea alone. The estate focuses on forest-friendly agriculture, reforestation and preservation of biodiversity. Women from the surrounding area receive training and a fair wage for their work. The company also shares part of its income with employees, so that the local community grows alongside the value of the tea produced.

Forest Hill within CATA

Forest Hill is a member of the Ceylon Artisanal Tea Association, a network of small producers who place traditional techniques, traceable production and sustainable agriculture at the centre of their work. Within this group Forest Hill contributes to preserving Sri Lanka’s artisanal tea heritage and to an agricultural model that links economic growth with care for the landscape.

Our selection from Forest Hill

Within the Tea Kulture collection two teas represent the character of Forest Hill. Warnagala Wild has deep earthy tones and a warm aroma characteristic of the forested terrain in which the trees stand. Silver Tips is a white tea made from young leaf buds that are hand-picked and sun-dried. The tea is light, clear and shows gentle fruity nuances. Both teas are made only in small batches.

Tea Kulture and Forest Hill

The collaboration between Tea Kulture and Forest Hill rests on the same values. Small-scale work, respect for the environment and fair relationships with the people who make the tea possible. By working directly together Forest Hill has a place within the Tea Kulture collection and the complete origin remains visible. At the same time each purchase contributes to the people and landscape of Warnagala, where old tea trees and new initiatives exist side by side.