During the second week in March 2012 the “Green Bobbies”, trained by Sipho Mhlalanyawo of the Everton Conservancy, started clearing Willow Lane of invasive alien plants. The Green Bobby team members have learnt the techniques involved in clearing and are gaining expertise in identifying invasive alien plants. The team also record all the invasives (species and numbers) that they treat and remove, so this process can be formally reported on and progress can be measured.
Green Bobbies have also recently been ‘adopted’ by the Wildlands Conservation Trust to contribute to their already impressive initiatives around job creation. Team members will also get to broaden their skill base, as within every team there is an opportunity to become the next team supervisor. There is a vision to have 11 Green Bobbies by the end of June, all working in the Winterskloof valley to get rid of the invasive alien plants that are choking our forests, grasslands, wetlands and streams.
“It was fantastic to see how the community came together on this project. Willow Lane residents encouraged us to use their verges as the first stepping stones of the alien plant clearing and also provided us with storage facilities. Conservancy members helped with expert advice and sponsorship of equipment, along with the donation of herbicides, protective clothing & equipment from the Department of Environmental Affairs’ Working for Water initiative. We are humbled by the support of everyone, including Wildlands,” said Judy Bell Chairperson of the Winterskloof Conservancy. “Going forward we are looking forward to achieving more with the ongoing support of the Winterskloof community and other organisations.”
Please contact the Winterskloof Conservancy by e-mailing judybell@mweb.co.za if you would like to help in any way.
WILDTRUST (registered as the Wildlands Conservation Trust - IT No: 4329/1991/PMB)