CapeNature begins massive restoration project following Cederberg fires

Cape Nature has launched an extensive recovery programme for the Cederberg Wilderness Area, which was recently ravaged by fires during the festive season.

The blaze, which kept firefighters busy for more than two weeks, started in December last year when a caravan caught alight near Nieuwoudtville Pass, going on to scorch more than 53-thousand hectares of vegetation.

Several campsites were severely affected, leading to widespread closures at Algeria State Forest, Bosherberge, Driehoek, and Kromrivier.

Cape Nature spokesperson Luke Folb says 6-12 months have been set aside to recover and restore popular campsites and forests in the Cederberg Wilderness Area.

Folb says Cape Nature teams have already begun restoration work in certain parts of the affected area.

 "Teams are now assessing and repairing hiking trails, jeep tracks, and mountain huts, replacing signage to improve visitor safety, managing erosion, and clearing invasive plants and closely monitoring ecological recovery."    

Folb says efforts to restore critically endangered Clanwilliam Cedar trees affected by the fire are also underway.