Page 22 - Landscape-Issue148

REHABILITATION FEATURE

LAYING THE GROUNDWORK:

ESSENTIAL STEPS TO

ECOLOGICAL REHABILITATION

Ecological rehabilitation is often imagined as the moment when barren land bursts into
life, filled with flourishing plants and returning wildlife. However, what the public often
doesn’t see is the meticulous preparation that happens long before restoration begins.

t Darling Groenkloof Reserve, a
unique renosterveld habitat of high
Aconservation significance, the Darling
Wildflower Society and Vula Environmental
Services are implementing a methodical and
science-driven approach to ensure long-
term ecological recovery of those portions
of the reserve impacted by agriculture.
This requires often unseen but essential
groundwork that will transform degraded
landscapes into resilient ecosystems.

The science behind rehabilitation
Every rehabilitation project starts with
knowledge. At Groenkloof Reserve, the
process begins with a deep dive into the
region’s history, geology, hydrology, and
biodiversity. This reserve, nestled in the
Swartland region of the Western Cape, is
home to critically endangered Swartland
Granite Bulb Veld, a landscape of immense
ecological value but one that has been
severely fragmented, with less than 20% of
its original habitat remaining.
Soil analysis is helping to determine
erosion risks and nutrient availability,
ensuring that plant selections will thrive.
Hydrology mapping is revealing how water
moves through the reserve, highlighting
critical wetlands and erosion-prone areas
that need protection. A detailed vegetation
survey is documenting existing plant species,
identifying which need to be preserved and
which invasive species require removal.
Faunal assessments are monitoring key
wildlife species, such as the Cape Clawless
Otter and the iconic Blue Crane, ensuring
that habitat restoration efforts support their
survival. These thorough investigations are
providing the scientific backbone for all
subsequent restoration work.
Navigating the regulations
Rehabilitation doesn’t just happen; it
requires careful adherence to environmental
laws. Before any physical interventions
begin, Vula Environmental Services ensures
compliance with key environmental
regulations. The project strives to adhere to
the National Environmental Management:
Protected Areas Act (NEMPAA), which
governs conservation areas, and the National
Environmental Management: Biodiversity
Act (NEMBA), which mandates biodiversity Gethyllis ciliaris

20 Landscape SA • Issue 148 2025 Check us out www.salandscape.co.za