Working Together To Remove Rooikrants

Environment, Coastal Conservation, Community

This Project Protects Blue Horizon Bay From A Fire Hazard

Rooi Krantz is an invasive plant that burns extremely easily, allowing fires to spread much faster than our indigenous vegetation. By removing it, we reduce the fire risk while giving our local plants a better opportunity to thrive.

Recently, around 10 volunteers, including three women, spent about three hours clearing Rooi Krantz along the pipeline east of Ocean View Drive. We also cleared an empty plot in Blue Horizon Bay.

The photos below show just how much can be achieved in a few hours, while the accompanying video gives an even better idea of the volume of vegetation that was removed. Imagine what we could accomplish with twice as many volunteers.

Every Resident Can Make A Difference

Besides making Blue Horizon Bay safer, it was a wonderful morning spent outdoors with neighbours working together. We had plenty of laughs, enjoyed each other's company, and achieved something that benefits the entire community.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who gives their time to our Conservancy. Whether you join us for beach clean-ups, clearing invasive plants, removing litter, or taking part in other environmental projects, your time and effort make a real difference to our village.

We understand that weekend projects don't suit everyone. Some residents are busy, while others would rather contribute during the week. If that sounds like you, there is another valuable way to get involved.

One of our biggest challenges at the moment is dodder, an invasive parasitic plant that is spreading rapidly along the seaside between the four-way stop and the shopping centre. Dodder wraps itself around indigenous plants, eventually smothering and killing them.

If you have some spare time during the week, please remove any dodder you find. Carefully pull it away from the affected plants, place all the removed material, including the seed heads, into a bag, and dispose of it at the municipal tip. Taking care not to spread the seeds is essential.

The photos below show what dodder looks like, how it affects our indigenous vegetation, and what the seeds look like.

Every hour you give, whether by joining one of our organised clearing days or by removing a few invasive plants while out walking, contributes to a safer, cleaner and more beautiful Blue Horizon Bay.

Together, we are protecting the natural beauty of our village for future generations.

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to welcoming even more volunteers at our next community project!