Table Mountain National Park plants indigenous seeds combat impact of illegal bark stripping

CAPE TOWN - Indigenous seeds are being planted along the woodcutter trail in Newlands Forest to fight back against the devastating effects of illegal bark stripping in Table Mountain National Park. 

Bark stripping, the removal of tree bark for traditional medicine and rituals, is causing serious damage to the park’s trees, threatening the entire ecosystem.

To tackle this, South African National Parks (SANParks) has stepped up law enforcement patrols and launched a targeted strategy with volunteers.

Senior communications manager Charles Phahlane said that the move is critical to preserving the park’s natural heritage.

"SANParks, together with volunteer partners, launched an integrated strategy in 2023 to address illegal bark stripping activities in the forest.”