Overview:

The three forest restoration sites at Kraaibosch are all looking better than expected in an area that was previously densely infested with Eucalyptus. The clay soil hinders water infiltration, and it will take some time for the soil to recover across these three sites.

Site A is dominated by fynbos species, while parts of Site B are doing really well and Site C is progressing better than both the previous sites. Overall the restoration progress is slow compared to other Garden Route sites, but given the context and continued alien clearing on the property, these sites will take some time to form a functioning forest system.

Site A:

This site, adjacent to the edge of the property that borders with MTO plantations, is dominated by fynbos species, with singular Keurboom and Cape Beach trees emerging from the vegetation. It appeared as if recent clearing activities in the site removed some young Eucalyptus trees, opening pockets in the site. The ground is well covered by the shrubs and grasses present, with a low density of small planted trees surviving. Some larger Keurboom have started to fall over and also show signs of baboon activity causing branch breaking and topping. Very few of the pioneer trees have survived, and this site may remain dominated by fynbos species for a long time. The monitoring team have recommended that further interplanting and more regular alien clearing is undertaken.

Site B:

Site B is partly reforestation, linking site A and Site C, and partly agroforestry. One plot was conducted in the agroforestry section, but this section has not seen dedicated attention as invasive wattles were abundant across the agroforestry site. This plot will need to be re-monitored in the spring, as many fruit trees and other species are dormant in the winter . The reforestation section’s center portion boasts large Keurboom, Cape Beech and Yellowwoods, however other parts are strangled by grass. This site is exhibiting a mixed response to restoration efforts and may need additional planting in the near future.

Site C:

At Site C the Tree Fuschias and Sagewoods were doing exceptionally well. Additional trees were planted here after the initial planting during Greenpop's last Eden Festival Of Action. Some dense wattle germination was observed across the site and alien clearing efforts are recommended on site soon. Overall the planted trees are doing as well as could be expected in the clay soil and in Eucalyptus-altered environment. As most of the other alien species have been cleared off the property, these sites may do increasingly well over the next few years.