By Thalia Joubert

The Waitrose Foundation funding is facilitated by WWF South Africa, and Ecofarms assists them in managing the project with the aim of active rehabilitation to improve climate resilience on farms in the Western Cape. This is achieved through nature-based solutions in response to the severe floods of 2023 and 2024, which had detrimental effects on both the environment and farm infrastructure. To support farm rehabilitation and restoration, the Waitrose Foundation funding enables the development of local nurseries to increase indigenous plant propagation. This is being achieved through upgrading and expanding the Rooiberg Breede River Conservancy’s nursery facilities, while also eventually creating job opportunities through plant sales. Another important part of the project is the propagation of vegetables from seed for the establishment of local vegetable gardens.

Progress of the Conservancy’s nursery

Some species have shown higher germination success than others. The most successful species to date has been sweet thorn (Vachellia karroo; Afr.: soetdoring), while ash bush (Pteronia incana; Afr.: asbos) has shown the lowest germination rates. Aloe microstigma, which was expected to have a low germination rate, has performed exceptionally well, with success comparable to sweet thorn.

We are also experimenting with new germination methods for species such as karee (Searsia lancea; Afr.: swart karee or rooi karee) and Karoo num-num (Carissa haematocarpa; Afr.: Karoonoem-noem), which require pre-treatment with a 10% pool acid solution before planting. Germination rates for sand olive (Dodonaea viscosa; Afr.: sandolien) vary and remain relatively low, despite the species being prominent in the veld alongside ash bush.

As the seasons progress, different indigenous plants flower and begin dispersing seed. Regular time spent in the veld is therefore essential, as it helps us anticipate when certain species will be ready for harvesting. The Conservation Assistant has been photographing flowering plants and researching them to develop a Conservancy calendar of flowering and seed availability. At present, sand olive is the primary species carrying seed in the veld.

The Conservancy is currently in the planning phase for new nursery infrastructure, specifically the expansion of the shade-net area. The new shade-net structure will be larger and relocated to a new site on Voorspoed Boerdery. Updates will be shared as plans progress. Construction is planned to begin in January 2026, or by February 2026 at the latest. During this phase, labour will be required, and members who are able to assist by providing labourers with experience in erecting shade netting are encouraged to get in touch. Ecofarms will oversee the management of the construction and labour to ensure successful completion of the shade-net structure.

Successful restoration and rehabilitation depend heavily on collaboration with local farms. Indigenous plants propagated in the nursery will be planted in degraded biodiversity corridors and along riverbanks to improve stabilisation and ecological function.

Food security vegetable gardening

Another key outcome of this project is vegetable production for distribution to rural communities. The Conservation Assistant plans to use this opportunity to engage more schools by assisting with the establishment of vegetable gardens. An announcement will be made, should there be an open invitation to labourers and other communities to benefit from this component of the project.

How Conservancy Members Can Help

Members can support the project by allowing the nursery staff onto their property for seed collection in the veld, which usually takes place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Permission to harvest seeds from private properties is essential, and landowners will be required to sign a consent form to comply with CapeNature regulations. At present, we only collect indigenous species listed as Least Concern to avoid disrupting Endangered and Vulnerable species and to limit the administrative burden of collecting, cultivating and selling protected flora.

Members are also welcome to volunteer by joining us in the veld during seed collection or assisting in the nursery. Additionally, donations of clean ice-cream tubs or similar containers are greatly appreciated, as they are used for seed cleaning. If there are any other typical nursery equipment and consumables that you are willing and able to donate, do check in with us regarding potential needs.

We look forward to hearing from you and to working together in collecting and propagating indigenous seeds for restoration across the Conservancy.