The Sappi WWF TreeRoutes Partnership has funded a boardwalk and interpretive centre to the amount of R1.1 million in Marhutswa Forest near Bulwer, about 90 minutes from Pietermaritzburg. The project was initiated by the Bulwer Biosphere to help rehabilitate and ensure the preservation of the 3000ha of Scarp forest and to protect its endemic flora and fauna. The eco-tourism venture will also create jobs for the local community and provide guided walks through the forest.
The relatively unknown Marhutswa forest is situated a few kilometers east of Bulwer and looks onto the spectacular Bulwer Mountain. The forest has a history of abuse dating back to the 1880’s when it was severely logged for its valuable timber. Now all three species of Yellowwood can be found in the forest and there are vines estimated to be more than 1000 years old. It hosts a rich variety of birdlife including the indigenous Cape Parrot and the beautiful Knysna Lourie. It is also home to the dwarf chameleon – endemic to Scarp Forests in KZN – and small mammals such as tree dassie and bush pig. A full species survey will be undertaken in months to follow.
The project, launched at the beginning of February this year, will be open to visitors by the end of 2007. The Wildlands Conservation Trust has been contracted to facilitate the implementation of the project and will oversee the construction of the boardwalk. The boardwalk will include viewing decks, observation jetties, picnic spots and a 6.5m observation tower. There will also be a refreshment kiosk, an arts and crafts gallery, an indigenous nursery and comprehensive interpretation facilities.
Trained personnel (sourced from the local community) will be on hand to assist visitors as well as provide guided walks for those who would like a more informative tour of the forest. Funds generated from the boardwalk will go towards maintenance of the facilities and environmental education initiatives in the community. Not only will the boardwalk boost local tourism but it will also provide an avenue for local craftsmen and women to display and sell their works.
The forest is in the early stages of rehabilitation and there are still patches of the invasive Wattle and other alien plants. Walking through the forest one can still see the old saw pits that were used in the 1800’s as well as the remnants of small scale logging in recent years. The boardwalk will ensure that this history of abuse does not repeat itself. Extreme care is being taken to ensure minimal impact on the forest during the project’s development. For example, much of the construction process will take place off site to prevent noise infiltrating into the forest and paths will be carved from the old logging tracks to evade unnecessary transplanting.
With completion scheduled for the latter half of this year, visitors can look forward to a peaceful, relaxing day outdoors with family and friends in this one of KZN’s best kept secrets. For more information on the Marhutswa Boardwalk and other exciting ventures of the Sappi WWF Tree Routes Partnership visit the website at http://www.treeroutes.co.za/