A Volunteer Wildfire Services Team based at the City of Cape Town’s Helderberg Nature Reserve is assisting with the maintenance of trails in need of trimming after the reserve was closed in compliance with the National Lockdown regulations. There has been no staff on site, thus, no foot traffic for a long time and many of the trails have become overgrown.
There is now a backlog on work which requires completion. The work includes the cutting open of trails that have become overgrown.
The Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS) is a Section 21 non-profit company with over 200 volunteer members who assist various municipalities and conservation agencies with the management of wildfires.
The Grabouw Station, which focuses its activities mainly in the Greater Winelands, Overberg and Helderberg areas, has established its base at the Helderberg Nature Reserve.
The team uses the nature reserve extensively to train and practice routine deployment operations.
The VWS is usually involved with the management of wildfires during the hot and dry summer months and during these times they are usually deployed in areas that are hard to reach with fire engines etc.
The VWS team needs to keep fit and remain active during winter to ensure they are ready for the coming Summer fire season.
‘I am so proud of the Grabouw team for redirecting their time and energy towards helping our staff address the backlog. In so doing, we ensure that the reserve is ready to receive visitors once the regulations are eased to allow the public to explore the hiking trails and more. Their help could not have come at a better time. The lockdown period coincides with the time of year when the nature reserve staff would usually have started the annual trail maintenance.
‘We have to make do with a significantly reduced team due to the fact that the COVID-19 regulations allow only limited staff in the facility at any given time. The team is making it easy for a smooth running of service when the time comes. Their efforts will go a long way in ensuring that we provide safe and comfortable trails for nature enthusiasts to enjoy as this is a key priority for the nature reserve,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Marian Nieuwoudt.
The Helderberg Nature Reserve remains closed in compliance with the National lockdown regulations.
It is a popular variety of trails which suit everyone, including young children and avid advanced hikers and trail runners.
The nature reserve is supported by the Somerset West Community and boasts a Friend’s group with over 5 000 members.
Visitors come from across Cape Town and abroad to enjoy a pleasant nature experience among the rich and beautiful fynbos.
Public visit the Helderberg Nature for the hiking trails. Picnicking on the lawns in the lower sections of the reserve is also very popular. There is also a small information centre and gift shop, as well as a small restaurant