In addition to representing residents & businesses over issues of security, fire protection & communication with the municipality, the Knysna Heads Association is now playing an increasingly active role in improving the natural environment of this iconic beauty spot.

A voluntary organisation, funded exclusively through subscriptions from its 135 members & once-off donations, it has now included a re-wilding initiative as part of its remit.

Headed by Sylvia Esch & Francein Strydom, its current project focuses on removing grass & alien vegetation at the centre of The Heads ‘top viewpoint’ car park & replacing it with indigenous species.

“There has always been a need to re-wild the Eastern Heads to showcase it as a part of the larger nature reserve in which we all live”, said Francein. “Water restrictions in recent years have emphasised the need to introduce indigenous plants specific to the area that have a greater chance of surviving & thriving in all weather conditions”, she added.

The newly-planted areas are not just more aesthetically pleasing but also attract a greater variety of birds, butterflies & other insect life.

A couple of residents’ own gardeners have been involved in the clearing & re-wilding project, while the car guards also lend a hand with the watering-in of new plants & trees. The municipality has also lent its support by collecting any non-recyclable waste from the site.

Like many successful initiatives, the project has taken inspiration from local people who are, like Sylvia & Francein, acutely aware of their surroundings & have taken it upon themselves to re-wild their own gardens.

Sylvia is keen to further promote the benefits of removing alien vegetation: “We intend organising a workshop for residents’ gardeners so that they can identify invasive species on residents’ properties. They will also learn more about the most suitable indigenous plants & trees for their particular location”, she explained.

The next project on the agenda is to clean, clear & re-wild the grass area surrounding the car park by the circle at the bottom of The Heads & then (funds permitting) begin eradicating alien species.

If you would like to get involved or make a donation to this critical re-wilding initiative, please contact Francein direct on 071 271 1748.

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