A permits cost R30 per day per person (free for children under 12) and is available at the Bohemian Groove Cafè or Platanna Gift Shop next to Salvador Main Street Bistro.
The introduction of these permits follows consultation with Komatiland, who manages the surrounding plantations and conservation areas, including the Blue Swallow Reserve. An agreement was reached that all funds from the permits would be used for the much-needed rehabilitation of the hiking trials, the eradication of alien invasive vegetation, erosion control, snare removal, litter clean-up and the ecological restoration of Battery Creek Gorge.
In addition, several permanent as well as temporary jobs were created.
Brian Morris, a Kaapsehoop resident and founder of the non-profit organisation, Kaapsehoop Heritage Association, said the increasing number of hikers and tourists necessitates dedicated management of the natural conservation areas around Kaapsehoop. “Our mission is to ensure that the natural environment is cared for, and that tourism is conducted responsibly and doesn’t impact negatively on the environment.”
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The Kaapsehoop quartzite grasslands are critically endangered, as most of these have been converted to pine plantations. Recent projects undertaken by the Kaapsehoop Heritage Association includes the rehabilitation of the Battery Creek riverine area, re-establishing natural grasses on degraded areas, as well the eradication of invasive plants in the yellow wood forest, which can be found between the old government building on Commissioner Square and the Kaapsehoop Hiking Trial Hut. The hacking of alien plants is also an ongoing project undertaken with the help of volunteers and residents.
“We realise there might be a little bit of resistance from hikers and tourists, as access to these areas had always been free of charge. However, if one is a genuine nature lover, the benefit of this small fee is easy to understand,” said Morris. He added that hikers must remember to bring a bag to remove their own litter, “including stompies”.
Permit holders will receive a pamphlet with a map and description of four day hikes that traverse the Kaapsehoop escarpment. All hikes start at the Kaapsehoop Plein in the centre of the town, where there is also ample parking.
For more information and to book a heritage hike to see what is being done, phone Morris on 084 579 7979 and join the Kaapsehoop Heritage Fund on Facebook, at Friends of Kaapsehoop, for updates on the various projects.
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