SALTA SIBAYA PLANTS 10 000 TREES

The Salta Sibaya region in KZN has seen 10 000 indigenous trees planted, and according to its environmental advisor and botanist Michelle Hofmeyr, this formed part of the long-term landscaping and environmental rehabilitation strategy for the estate.

The land had previously been sugar cane fields and rehabilitation to its former indigenous habitat and landscape has been a core focus. At the start of the project, over 13 000 indigenous plants were moved from the area as young seedlings and saplings, grown off-site at Twin Streams Indigenous Nursery.

These rescued plants are now being reintroduced back onto the site with the aim of re-establishing ecosystem services, extending the margins of the existing forest into the area and recreating the biodiversity that once flourished here. This will go a long way in helping to preserve and encourage growth within the landscape.

To date the number of indigenous and endemic species included in the rehabilitation project has exceeded all expectations. With more than 430 different indigenous species of trees and plants, the development will include over 40 000 trees, 540 000 ground covers and an estimated 100 hectares of forest areas. This combination of habitat rehabilitation and restoration will work together to create a natural environment within which people and wildlife can thrive.

www.saltasibaya.co.za