Melville Koppies’ three-man conservation team supervised by Wendy Carstens, not only weed, dig out invasive alien plants and maintain the paths, but they also in winter rotate the burning of patches of grassland to keep these patches as grassland.
Without this controlled burning, the grassland on the Koppies would soon become forested and the area would lose its rich biodiversity.
Meanwhile, scientists at the University of Cambridge have discovered another reason to support controlled burning.
As long as the fires are not too hot and not too frequent, burning can actually increase the amount of carbon stored in their soils and in these times of global warming where there is too much carbon dioxide, anything that stores carbon is to be welcomed.
Visit Melville Koppies on a Sunday morning between 08:00 and 11:30. Challenge yourself to the 5km hike, book a guided tour (phone 079 532 0083) or be there by 08:30 to learn about the history and how the living things interact.
You can also self-guide yourself on the heritage trail or just meander along the many different paths that criss-cross the Koppies.
Cost is R80 for children and R40 for children with season tickets at R500 per adult available. These are not transferable.
Income used for maintenance of the Koppies. Security on the Koppies is provided. Park in secure parking opposite the entrance at Marks Park in Judith Road, Emmarentia.
Contact wendavid@mweb.co.za or call 079 532 0083 or visit www.mk.org.za for more detailed information about the history and what you can see on Facebook.
