Jewels June 2012 Eagles Rest_SCWF VF

Jewels of the Garden Route
Eagle’s Rest Farm Albertinia - Revisited
An outing to Eagle’s Rest farm in September 2005 restored faith in the notion that conservation and
agriculture can walk hand in hand. At that time André and Elaine du Preez had been on the farm for 7
years and achieved a small miracle in terms of alien vegetation clearing.
Faced with severe infestations of Port Jackson Willow (Acacia Saligna), Rooipitjie (Acacia Cyclops),
Australian Myrtle (Leptospermum laevigatum) and Black Wattle (Acacia mearnsii), Elaine recalls such
dense bush right up to the house that an outdoor shower (without walls) a short distance away was
completely private! When they arrived about 95% of the ±560ha farm was infested. Apart from their
very serious conservation motive there was the economic reality of rehabilitating the heavily infested
land to viable agricultural land. This meant being able to harvest the very high quality indigenous
thatch Thamnochortus insignis (dekriet), which is used internationally, and beekeeping for the
production of fynbos honey as well as exploring diversification options - a very significant challenge in
an area known for low agricultural yield. A formidable task lay ahead!
Having stayed in touch, we learnt that thus far ±220ha of alien vegetation had been cleared with
remarkable results. Clearly a revisit was on the cards and simultaneously participants of the Southern
Cape Weeds Forum could witness a successful project first hand. During the 7 years since 2005 the
scope of the Du Preez’ commitment is astonishing. The most impressive outcome of the clearing
activities has in all probability been the restoration of ground water availability. In 2005 there were no
dams despite the area being exceptionally water-rich. Today there are 11 perennial soil dams - the
largest is 3ha in extent with an average depth of 2m and is fed by 2 natural springs. The levels of
springs remain moderate as increasing abstraction and the persistent presence of alien vegetation in
the surrounding areas continue to impact on the resource.
Located in the sensitive Limestone Fynbos biome of the Riversdale/Albertinia coastal plain, witnessing
the return of abundant Thamnochortus insignis (dekriet) and several other restio species, Erica Bauerii,
Bobartia orientalis, pin cushions, proteas, etc., across the farm is incredibly rewarding. Diversification
has also come about with the cultivation of some 90ha of cleared land for pasture, making it possible
to keep cattle and sheep in addition to the other farming activities – remarkable indeed.
Effective control methods, based on extensive research and wide consultation over the past 14 years
have included various combinations of mechanical, chemical, manual, controlled burning and biocontrol. Some of the really creative control methods have been:
•
•
Aerial crop spraying with a selective herbicide to handle huge invaded areas. This method has
proven exceptionally effective in conserving fynbos species, sensitive to tilling.
Designing and building their own “Bos-Breker” - custom-made for their unique needs. This
method minimised soil disturbance and very effectively contributed to the preservation of
Thamnochortus insignis and fynbos seed-banks during bush clearing activities.
The Du Preez’ vision is to eradicate all existing invasive alien plants competing with the naturally
occurring fynbos flora, using environmentally friendly and sustainable eradication methods. Their goal
with this project is to restore this area to its original purpose; self-sustainable, viable agricultural land.
This couple make things happen and we wish André, Elaine and their young family ongoing success
with their ambitious venture – precious Jewels indeed!!!!
1 of 1
Rest_SCWF VF7863219952338687600
Page
Jewels June 2012 Eagles