This post tells the story of our attempt to revitalize the stream which forms the north-western border of the reserve. As our neighbor there, Thomas, farms with buffaloes we decided to name it Buffalo Stream amongst ourselves.
Over a number of weeks we went down there armed with chainsaws and herbicide working our way downstream. Through Vusi we also employed some casual workers over weekends and they did a great job.
It was a welcome distraction from the strife we experienced within the Friends and a cause for immense satisfaction to see how the indigenous vegetation recovered.
The stream runs partly through our neighbor’s property and the owner, Neville, was only too pleased that we tackled the wattle, bluegum and many other aliens for him. Here the guys have just entered this section and, as you can see, the trees were rather big.
It was difficult just to get to the place to work. Even though we tried to leave a path it wasn’t always possible.
The waterfall and pool one can see from the river walk is unfortunately not in the reserve and was one big wattle forest.
Especially these large ones at the edge of the pool were causing erosion at the sides so we were happy to remove them.
Some landed in the water but it will be only a matter of time before they have rotted away and we will have a beautiful pool again.
A good example of how the wattles suppress all indigenous plants. Thankfully very soon after we already noticed some recovery.
Even the previously ringbarked bluegums had to make way to be replaced by some suitable indigenous trees.
We hope that after our demise the reserve management will continue looking after the stream. It can be one of the few unspoiled places left where conservation can happen.