Post-planting monitoring at Swallowtail conducted in December 2020, shortly after planting, found tree survival to be 100%, indicating that planted trees have survived any potential transplanting shock. Moreover, the vast majority of trees monitored showed active signs of growth, suggesting that they have responded well to the conditions on site. Planting efforts on site included that all planted trees were heavily mulched, and those planted in exposed areas, i.e. those with no canopy cover/nurse stand, where protected by shade cloth structures. Moreover, good rainfall following planting has provided a good start for planted trees. The high survival rate is also largely attributed to the fact that planting activities were strategically developed based on the different conditions present across the site. Specifically, the site was broken down into a number of zones based on prevalent condition present - ranging from the well-shaded river slope terraces, areas characterised by limited ground- and canopy cover, to those dominated by regenerating Acacia mearnsii (Black Wattle) - with species planted in each determined based on this. On-going monitoring will thus allow us to assess planting success and tree responses across a range of conditions, and apply this knowledge going forward. In addition to selective species planting based on fine-scale variation in conditions on site, planting efforts on site included extensive pre-planting work done to prepare the site. Importantly, the creation of terraces along the harvested slopes of the river has ensured that soil erosion and resultant siltation of the river has been largely mitigated. Trees as well as other indigenous non-tree species, including herbs and forbs, have been planted onto these terraces aimed at providing long-term stabilisation of the river bank.

Post-planting monitoring also indicated that the broader aims set-out by the CPP reforestation team regarding restoration on this site - including supporting the slope and help prevent long-term erosion; reducing the high fire risk by dealing with large debris piles where possible; and begin to assist the river system - have been largely achieved. This has been most clearly observed by the effectiveness of the constructed terraces in catching and holding topsoil following the heavy rains since planting, which otherwise would have run into the river. Given the importance of intact riparian areas with forested landscapes for gene flow, as shown by recent research from Stellenbosch University (Moir et al., 2020); the multiple ecosystem services provided by functioning river systems; and the important habitat they provide for a range of species, restoration efforts by CPP and Greenpop along this ~500 m stretch of the Swallowtail River on Hunterstoun are not to be under-stated. Specifically, Motacilla clara (Mountain wagtail), an uncommon and localised bird species, is known to be found along this stretch of the Swallowtail River. The species is reliant on fast-flowing rivers and streams in forest areas, such that it’s continued presence here is directly dependent upon maintaining the quality of this habitat. On-going monitoring on this site will thus provide the necessary opportunity to assess, and adaptively manage restoration work done at this ecologically important site.