Twenty-four volunteers met on a clear, chilly winter’s day at the parking area on the western side of Malkopvlei (Bass Lake) to continue with this, the third hack to remove Waterberry trees (Waterbessies) which have invaded the wetland on its northern side. Reneè Smit and Crispin Sonn were welcomed to their first hack and by all accounts they thoroughly enjoyed the experience. We hope they’ll become regulars.
The hackers walked 500m down Bass Road to continue where we left off in May. The hack involved primarily chainsaw work and the more demanding and energy sapping effort of dragging the branches through the fynbos and stacking them on the verge for easy removal by the municipality.
The break was taken at 10am back at the parking area under a warm winter sun. A big thank you to Dave Mourant for providing all that is needed for the monthly tea and coffee requirements and to Betsey Joubert and Anne Mourant for their customary, delicious egg mayo and tomato and onion sarmies to bolster waning energy levels. People were urged to become members of the newly formed Hangklip Botanical Society (NPC) for R200 per annum if they had not already done so. Without this support structure and funding derived from the Harold Porter Book and Craft Shop, sustainable hacking activities would not be possible. Sue Mc Connell, who is driving the membership initiative, encouraged people to directly message her on WhatsApp.
After the break, the battle continued with cutting, dragging and stacking the seemingly endless Waterberry infestation. The draggers and stackers continued for an extra 15 – 20 minutes to ensure that all the cut branches ended up on the Bass Road verge.
The aftermath refreshments were enjoyed by all. The exceptional work ethic of this group is to be applauded.
Thanks to Brian McMillan and Chris Geldenhuys from Pringle Bay for their ongoing support. It is greatly appreciated.
As ever, on behalf of the Betty’s Bay Fynbos, thank you all for your efforts.
Rob Boyd