The magic of fire on grasslands at Melville Koppies
Scientists at the University of Cambridge have discovered another reason to support controlled burning.
The 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.
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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.
Melville Koppies is open between 08:00 and 11:30 every Sunday.
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Entry fees are R80 for adults and R40 for children.
All income is used for maintenance of the Koppies which amounts to R22 000 needed each month.
Security on the Koppies is provided and visitors can park in secure parking opposite the entrance at Marks Park in Judith Road, Emmarentia.
For more information contact wendavid@mweb.co.za or call 079 532 0083.
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