Alien invasive vegetation such as: Hackea, Blackwattle, Rooikrans and Pine invaded indigenous Cape Fynbos vegetation causing suppression and possible extinction.

These exotic species have a big impact on the hydrology system by reducing the annual surface water runoff by up to 70%.

Fynbos is a fire driven system and requires burning every 8 - 15 years, depending on the amount of rain in the area. Botlierskop has set up a management plan to manage the Fynbos’ burning cycles and to eradicate the exotic plants in the area. Since 2000 we have committed ourselves to this long term and involved process. The operation is costly for it is labour intensive, due to mechanical removal, and the expensive herbicides. The employment opportunities created will assist the local communities and neighbouring farms to uplift the community.

A few years ago, biological controls were introduced into the area to feed on the seed and fruit of the different invasive species. Botlierskop has applied for more of these biological control agents (during 2004) to gain long-term control through the continuous reduction in the quantity of seeds available for regeneration.

Unfortunately the fire of 2005 and the 2 major floods that have followed have had an extensive effect on the disappearance of these biological control agents. At the current moment the situations is being reassessed to take control and continue with the eradication of these alien invasive vegetation.

The planting of indigenous trees will take place from the nursery that we started in 2004.