SPRING EXPEDITION TO SEE RENOSTERVELD AND AGULHAS PLAIN LIMESTONE VEGETATION

Merrilee Berrisford

Spring Expedition

It is two and a half years since the Kogelberg Branch expedition to Gifberg; high time for another trip. Your committee has started to plan a three or four-night visit to the area beyond Bredasdorp, specifically to wander (hopefully with a guide) through Renosterveld at the Haarwegskloof Renosterveld Reserve and also the limestone vegetation of the Agulhas Plain.

Haarwegskloof near Napier and just north of De Hoop, comprises “the largest contiguous stretch of remnant lowland Renosterveld remaining on earth” and was bought by WWF-SA in 2013. The Overberg Lowlands Conservation Trust has its offices in the reserve. Last month the Trust’s Keir Lynch gave us an excellent talk (see Andrea’s report).

WHEN?

The second half of August is our plan – for spring flowers and also perhaps taking in the Fynbos Expo in Bredasdorp (18-21 August).

ACCOMMODATION

We are exploring three options: Agulhas National Park; De Hoop; The Overberg Lowlands Conservation Trust at Haarwegskloof

MEALS

As before members will see to their own breakfasts and lunches and we’ll arrange an evening meal either in the nearest town or catered by a local.

ARE YOU INTERESTED?

If you are, please send an email or contact me by the end of April – not binding and of course you can join in later. If anyone has ideas about other accommodation options and places to visit, please include suggestions.  Contact details: mberrisford@xsinet.co.za or 028 272 9314

Note that Harold Porter has both Renosterveld and Agulhas Plain gardens next to each other, beyond the big pond, towards the mountain.