By Ena Mcintyre.
Originally published in DECEMBER 2016 | VELD & FLORA
Drie Valleyen owner, Gray Rutherford, engaged Ken Coetzee- a practical conservation expert - to evaluate the property's biodiversity value and compile a habitat regeneration plan. A direct outflow from Ken's input was the introduction of Nguni
cattle to preserve a species of flightless Dung Beetle (Circelliumbacchus) found on site. Nguni cattle are browsers rather than grazers and browsing tends to stimulate regrowth of browsed vegetation. As a bonus the future of these special beetles is
secured. Cattle tend to use the same paths repeatedly, so Gray regularly monitors these paths and redirects the cattle by creating barriers across their customary routes. The Nguni cattle are intriguing - curious, not obviously aggressive, yet absolutely not for touching.
Gray creates functional ecosystems rather than attempts full-scale restoration or rehabilitation. A plant nursery has been established and houses several Pelargonium species, Aloe terox, Clivias and a variety of indigenous trees. Nature is generally left to its own devices in cleared areas with minimal under-plantings of compatible indigenous species and random plantings from the nursery in exposed and grassy areas. Pragmatism allows a few old pines to remain as perches and nesting sites or to provide windbreaks for cleared areas. With a keen sense of how nature functions, some Rooikrans (Acacia cyclops) are left to protect emerging Fynbos seedlings and no land is clear-felled. Where large trees have been dragged out, the tracks are monitored for signs of erosion and attended to where necessary. The logical outflow of this approach is flexibility and, while planting adheres to South African indigenous species, it is not bound to the constraints of being indigenous to the site.
A significant coastal corridor, the undulating landscape perfectly sets the scene for a mosaic of vegetation types ranging from grassland, fynbos, coastal thicket to delightful pockets of coastal scrub forest on the south slopes. The White Pear Forest is dominated by White Pears (Apodytes dimidiata), but hosts an abundance of Knobwood (Zanthoxylum davyi), Milkwood (Sideroxylon inerme), Candlewood (Pterocelastrus tricuspidatus) and other trees. Low-lying areas feature a profusion of Wilde-als (Artemesia afra) and a visiting botanist remarked that this was the most prolific occurrence of A afra he had ever seen. At the time of my visit they were in full bloom and bees were busily humming while the air was heavy with the aroma of the veld. It was a joy to see numerous young Ericas emerging as well as many stunning Brunsvigia orientalis and numerous other fynbos species. Naturally, in this diverse environment the birdlife is prolific and animals such as Grysbok, Bush Buck, Caracal, Ratel (Honey Badger), Bushpig, Molesnakes, Puff Adders, etc., are abundant.
As we traversed the farm, creative names and signage such as: Sun Valley, Old Wagon Trail, Mooibos, and Watsonia Valley, served to identify specific areas on the property. Similarly, clearing equipment is also named. The chippers are Lettie and Bettie, the tractor is Kosie. Further along, an interesting circular structure on top of a hill with unobstructed all-round views caught my attention. Upon enquiring, Gray explained that many hours were spent determining exactly sunrise and sunset at summer solstice and erected square wooden east and west markers. Likewise winter and summer equinoxes were identified with triangular markers - a long pole facing due north forms a sundial.
The total commitment and dedication of Gray and his team is awe-inspiring. Crown jewels indeed!