Page 24 - Landscape-Issue148

REHABILITATION FEATURE

poses a threat, terracing and swale
construction are being used to regulate flow,
reduce erosion and replenish groundwater
reserves. These interventions are creating
a stable foundation for long-term
rehabilitation.
Reintroducing local species
With the groundwork laid, the reserve will
soon be ready for active restoration. This
is not a simple case of planting trees; it is
a carefully coordinated process designed
to mimic natural succession and support
biodiversity.
Seeds are being collected from local plant
populations to maintain genetic integrity,
then propagated in specialised nurseries to
Brunsvigia orientalis maximise survival rates. The reintroduction
of plant life will occur in strategic phases,
allowing early colonisers to establish first,
the implementation of designated management to prevent invasive species creating micro-habitats that will later
firebreaks, controlled burns, and vegetation from overwhelming the recovering support more sensitive flora. This careful
management to reduce future fire risks. The ecosystem. sequencing ensures that the restored
reserve will be divided into management Manual clearing and mechanical removal ecosystem is not just visually appealing
units, with scheduled burns conducted in are minimising disturbance to native but functionally resilient and capable of
accordance with ecological best practices vegetation. Where necessary, targeted withstanding environmental changes over
to promote plant regeneration while herbicide applications are being used to time.
preventing invasive species from taking curb regrowth. Fire, an integral part of the
hold. Monitoring fire history and veld age renosterveld ecosystem, is being carefully Long-term monitoring and adaptive
mapping will help ensure that fire remains a reintroduced under controlled conditions management
beneficial force rather than a destructive one to suppress invasive grasses and rejuvenate The work doesn’t end when the last seedling
in the ongoing restoration efforts. native plant growth. This phased approach is planted. A successful rehabilitation project
is ensuring that once the invaders are is an ongoing effort that requires continuous
Clearing the path for recovery removed, native species can reclaim their monitoring and adaptation.
Before native plants can flourish, invasive rightful place in the landscape. At Groenkloof Reserve, progress will be
species must be removed. The Groenkloof tracked using a combination of remote
Reserve has long been under siege by Soil stabilisation and erosion control sensing and drone surveys, providing
aggressive invaders like Kikuyu, Fleabane Decades of agricultural activity have left high resolution data on vegetation cover
and Statice, which outcompete indigenous parts of the Groenkloof Reserve vulnerable changes. On-the-ground biodiversity
flora and disrupt natural fire regimes. Their to erosion. Without intervention, any assessments will measure how well plant
removal is a painstaking but necessary step reintroduced vegetation will struggle to and animal populations are recovering. Local
in the restoration process. establish itself. stakeholders will play an active role in the
During spring 2024, the Groenkloof To address soil loss, the team is monitoring process, reporting observations
Reserve experienced a spectacular bulb implementing rock packing and mulching, that will help refine management strategies.
bonanza, with vibrant displays of wildflowers stabilising slopes while retaining essential This adaptive approach will ensure that
carpeting the landscape. However, this moisture. Indigenous grasses are being interventions remain effective, evolving in
floral explosion was accompanied by an seeded across erosion-prone areas, their response to real-world conditions.
unintended consequence – a massive roots anchoring the soil and preventing
weed outbreak that now requires careful further degradation. Where water runoff A blueprint for future projects
Groenkloof Reserve’s rehabilitation
demonstrates that restoring ecosystems is
nuanced, involving meticulous planning,
scientific precision and community
collaboration. By laying a strong foundation
through research, legal compliance, local
engagement and adaptive management,
Vula Environmental Services is setting a
precedent for ecological restoration done
correctly.
This project serves as a reminder that
even the most fragile ecosystems can be
brought back to life with the right approach.
With dedication and careful planning,
rehabilitation can create landscapes that
are not just restored but thriving, offering
a glimpse into what is possible when
conservation is done with both heart and
strategy.

Information and photos supplied by Vula
Aizoon africanum Environmental Services n

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