Call for volunteers to save Kuils River nature reserve

Environmental groups are calling for volunteers to help save the Haasendal Nature Reserve in Kuils River.

The nature reserve is one of the last vestiges of critically endangered Cape Flats sand fynbos, the most diverse sand fynbos type, and one that is endemic to Cape Town, according to the Botanical Society of South Africa.

“This vegetation type is severely threatened and only about 15% of it remains in the city. Of this 15%, only 1% is currently conserved,” the society said in a statement.

The society is working with FynbosLIFE and other partners to ensure that a small part of this distinctive fynbos type is protected and to reintroduce locally indigenous species into the reserve.

Dr Caitlin von Witt, botanical ecologist at FynbosLIFE, is concerned about the effects of urban development on the 50-hectare reserve.

“This is a rapidly developing area, so there is very little natural vegetation left, and sadly most of the reserve has also been disturbed or transformed at some stage. There are old fields at the bottom and only a small area of intact vegetation at the top,” she said.

Besides urban expansion, indigenous species are also threatened by invasive species such as Port Jackson trees. While most of those had been cleared, follow-up alien-clearing efforts were needed, said Dr Von Witt.

There are also plans to plant local species from both seeds and cuttings to boost the natural vegetation.

Dr Von Witt has called on volunteers to help with the project.

“By getting volunteers to join us in the field, they will really get to know the veld type and learn how important it is that we restore everything that is left. We want to simplify the restoration process and teach volunteers and other staff about seed and cutting collection, smoke treatment, seed sowing, propagation, potting and planting, and also maintenance,” she said.

Email restorehaasendal@gmail.com if you want to help.