Tree planting project was a ‘real community effort’
As part of its youth development project, Afriforum South Coast, is excited to plant additional trees in the coming months.
The Umtamvuna Marine Conservancy (UMC) in Port Edward proudly hosted its second indigenous tree planting ceremony during Arbour month, this time in Banners Rest on Monday last week.
Afriforum South Coast initiated the event by donating an indigenous Natal fig tree, which was planted by JP Nel, chairperson of AfriForum South Coast, on the corner of Izingolweni and Old Pont roads at the Banners Rest Store.
Permission was granted by the owner of the property, Alex Wichmann, who promised to keep an eye on the young tree.
“The UMC, together with the Port Edward and Banners Rest Ratepayers’ Association (PEBRRA), happily sprang into action when approached by Afriforum to plant an indigenous tree. Removing invasive alien vegetation and replacing it with indigenous flora is high on our list of things to do,” said UMC chairperson Renée Alcock.
“Banners Rest, the hub of the local farming community, offered the ideal location. Together with several residents and local business owners, a landmark site was chosen and cleared. This has been a wonderful opportunity to cooperate with and for the community,” said Alcock.
It became a real local community effort when PEBRRA offered to cut back vegetation to clean up the planting area, Landosol Plant Farm dug the hole and provided compost to give the tree a good start, and UMC, on top of hosting the ceremony, also served a round of well-received, delicious koeksisters afterwards.
Alcock thanked all parties involved and said she was inspired by the community spirit displayed.
Jonathan Rose, Afriforum’s youth chairman, said they have planted five trees in various areas on the South Coast.
“As part of the tree-planting initiative, we wanted to raise awareness of the value of planting indigenous plants in our communities, symbolising our dedication to long-term and sustainable civic engagement,” he said.
In early September, the effort began by contacting Gra Treetude, a group of enthusiastic local nature conservationists who volunteer their free time to go on hikes around the South Coast to identify and label trees and other indigenous flora for conservancies and other organisations.
Six fruit-bearing Natal fig trees, which are both indigenous and required for donations, were kindly donated by the organisation.
The trees not only had to be shade-providing for future generations but also a food source for the animals of the area as a much-needed housing development, and the fires of previous months saw large areas of known food sources for the local population of animals reduced.
Rose said they ultimately settled on a spot in Port Edward, the Marina Beach ratepayers kindly gave the second area, and Palm Beach was chosen as the third location.
He said that as part of its youth development project, Afriforum is excited to plant additional trees in the coming months.
Additionally, the organisation will be hosting seminars for the local youth, emphasising the value of nature conservation and indigenous planting practices.
Contact Rose on 064 6645142.
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