ALIEN BUSTING AT DE VLUGT

In December 2011, my husband and I moved to De Vlugt, a tiny village (not even a village; there are only 10 houses) in Prince Alfred’s Pass, between Plettenberg Bay and Avontuur.

We felt overwhelmed by all the alien vegetation in the valley, but with dedication and hard work we’ve managed to eradicate virtually all of it on our small property. We often go for walks up the pass in the direction of Avontuur and clearly remember that, initially, we were able to pull up more than 200 small wattles during our walks. Yet, in the past two years, specifically the wattles have grown to such an extent that they have to be felled and the stumps treated with Garlon.

With the help of local farmers who kindly offer their labour on a sporadic basis, we organised our first two felling operations alongside the road and in the river course. Much more remains to be done – significantly more than our capacity.

In view of the historical significance of Prince Alfred’s Pass, used as a main route linking Plettenberg Bay and Knysna with the hinterland, as well as the fact that South Africa is known to be a water-scarce country, it is important that eradication and regular follow-up take place.

We welcome hearing from any of your readers who are fighting a similar battle and also from those who are in a position to influence decisions made by a governmental entity, be it Work for Water, CapeNature or any other. Making them aware of our plight would go a long way towards conserving this particular corner of South Africa. Contact us on 044 752 3014 or ursulapeter55@gmail.com.