The wildfire that swept through the Helderberg Nature Reserve in June burnt much of the fynbos, but the fire’s devastation was also a catalyst for rejuvenation – both of the fynbos and of the reserve’s various trails.
A survey conducted after the fire revealed that many trails in the upper section of the reserve were affected by soil erosion, so it was unsafe for hiking. In addition, the survey found a viable route for a new trail.
All this necessary renovation, including replacing burnt signage, cost far more than the reserve’s available funding.
In a bid to help raise the funds needed for the restoration, the Friends of the Helderberg Nature Reserve and other hiking organisations held a fundraising celebration at Lourensford’s Winter Market in August. Amid the fun, participants revealed their hearts are in the right place as R19 000 was raised to help further the trail renovation process.
By October, the majority of the trail renovations were complete. This was achieved by the dedication and hard work of reserve staff and many volunteers. Today, the upper trails like Leopard Loop, Woodie’s and the Zig Zag trails are renovated and open for hiking.
The new Waboom Trail is also completed and has proved very popular, with all the trails signposted.
A special thanks to Hayley-May Wittridge, Thapelo Mafunityla and Steve Chadwick for the information shared in this article.
. For more information and guided hike dates, send an email to info@helderbergnaturereserve.co.za or visit https://helderbergnaturereserve.co.za.
