Community rallies together to restore Bluff National Golf Course

The Bluff National Golf Course is the jewel of the Bluff, a vital green lung that provides stunning views from all angles of the two ridges running parallel to the coastline. This natural asset is cherished by locals and visitors alike but it is not without potential problems that threaten its future.

Despite the relentless efforts of the greenskeeper and team, the lengthy lockdown that devastated other sports clubs also impacted the maintenance of the golf course and private donations which were vital in keeping the greens and fairways in a good state.

“The prevalence of invasive species on the Bluff is becoming a burgeoning problem. Without intervention what we see as a problem now will become an insurmountable threat to the waterways, indigenous vegetation and the animal life they support.

“Unfortunately the reality is that an area as vast as Bluff National requires a far larger budget than is available. To this end the Bluff community rallied on Saturday, 22 May to clear the waterways of the invasive water hyacinth that had forced a stranglehold on the canals and lakes that are a beautiful feature of the course and home to dozens of bird species,” said Duncan Pratt from the Bluff National Park Golf Club.

He explained that future control of the invasive water hyacinth will be done in collaboration with Stellenbosch University through the aid of biological control using the Mottled Water Hyacinth Weevil that attacks the aquatic plant.

Ward 66 councillor, Zoe Solomon coordinated the efforts of the Moss Road Rehabilitation Group and others to physically remove the unwanted weed using poles and nets.

“Their efforts were considerable, especially considering the wet weather conditions. It is inspiring to see a group of resident’s band together to make real change in the area. The Moss Road Rehabilitation group was started by Greig Tanner and Dave Nielsen in response mainly to the proliferation of Persian Lilac (syringa) trees along the Moss Road boundary of the golf course,” said Pratt.

Like most other invasive species, syringas outcompete local tree species and reduce their prevalence, thereby limiting the natural food source of butterflies, birds and mammals like mongooses and monkeys.  

“Ringbarking of the syringas and chemical controls of other invasives using herbicides have been funded and carried out by the group and results of the operator on the ground, Sipho Mjuqu, are starting to show.”

The group has now moved onto the second phase where indigenous trees and shrubs are being planted near the perishing syringa clusters to allow the natural order to be restored. Dave Nielsen very kindly donated 28 indigenous trees that were positioned by Pratt for planting. This effort, although not ideal in the winter period, is seen as a pilot project and hopefully the blueprint for the entire area in the coming years.

“Well done to the Moss Road Rehabilitation group. Please reach out to the group if advice is sought on other areas on the Bluff that may have become overrun with alien vegetation and there is a desire to restore it to its natural balance,” said Pratt.

For more information on this initiative contact the Bluff National Golf Course on 087-158-4649.