Greyton Mountains Restored: Invasive Pines Cleared

Wild Restoration Team Fells 10,000 Invasive Trees in Greyton Mountain Mission

Greyton, South Africa – A dedicated team from Wild Restoration has completed an intensive three-day mission in the Greyton Nature Reserve, successfully removing thousands of invasive pine trees. The effort is a critical part of the organization’s ongoing work to restore biodiversity and protect vital habitats for native species, including the region’s leopards.

The team, consisting of seven crew members, eight volunteers, and four porters, embarked on a challenging hike, ascending over 1000 meters into the Uitkyk slopes. They carried all necessary equipment, including chainsaws and camping gear, to tackle the invasive pines across 21 hectares. This hands-on work is central to the non-profit’s mission of clearing alien invasive species and supporting systems change for nature to thrive.

A Stark Reminder of the Mission’s Importance

The team’s commitment was powerfully underscored by a discovery near their campsite. They found a fresh leopard kill just 30 meters from where they slept. This encounter served as a potent reminder of the tangible impact of their work and the importance of protecting the biodiversity of these mountains. The area is a vital habitat for keystone species and hosts several threatened plants and animals.

As detailed in the complete version, there are several key factors to consider.

Massive Environmental Impact Achieved

Over 72 hours, the crew felled an estimated 10,000 invasive trees. This massive clearing effort will have a significant environmental payoff, saving the ecosystem more than nine million litres of water annually that would have been consumed by the non-native pines. This work forms a key part of the “Be Wild and Rewild the Cape Floral Kingdom” project, which receives support from EOCA Conservation.

Expanding the Reach of Wild Restoration

Wild Restoration’s efforts are primarily concentrated in the Overberg region. Their projects include restoring high-altitude Riviersonderend mountain wetlands and clearing invasive species in the Greyton Nature Reserve and surrounding Cape Nature land. A collaboration with Cape Nature is also enabling the team to expand their vital clearing work into other sections of the Riviersonderend Nature Reserve, further amplifying their positive impact on the region’s biodiversity.