This hack was well attended with thirty hackers gathering on a clear, windless and chilly morning on Brodie Link. This was the third hack at this site to remove rooikranz seedlings which have taken root since the fire which raged from Pringle Bay into the Sea Farm Private Nature Reserve in January 2024.
Vehicle access into the Brodie Link Nature Reserve was once again arranged with Brenton Matinka, the Cape Nature Field Ranger who lives on the property.
We welcomed Johan (apologies- surname unknown) and Ruargh Potgieter to their first ever hack and hope that this will be their first of many. Louw and Karin Toerien, seasoned Hangklip Hardcore Hackers (HHH) and Pringle Bay hackers, were also welcomed to their first Betty’s Bay hack. With some arm twisting we hope that they can be persuaded to return for more.
Armed with a full assortment of poppers provided from all the Hangklip hacking groups we took a short walk to the hacking site across a stream and began working our way westward up the slope in the direction of Hangklip. The mid-morning break was taken back at the parked vehicles in perfect, warm conditions.
Thank you to Dave Mournant for providing all that was needed for a good cup of tea or coffee and to Anne Mourant and Betsy Joubert for making the delicious sandwiches which were quickly devoured.
Unlike last month when rain interrupted play a half hour early without an aftermath, this time, the full hack was completed followed by a very enjoyable aftermath that included a mathematical calculation which determined that 27000 seedlings had been removed. Nobody accepted the offer to verify the figure by doing a physical count!!
A very big thank you to all for a most productive and enjoyable hack. Thanks to Chris Geldenhuys and Mike Christelis for bringing the extra poppers and a special word of thanks to those from the neighbouring villages of Pringle Bay, Rooiels and Kleinmond for their continued support.
As ever, on behalf of the Betty’s Bay Fynbos, thank you all for your efforts.
Rob Boyd