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The annual Clanwilliam Cedar Tree event will take place at Heuningvlei in the Cederberg Wilderness area on Saturday 22 May 2010. Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat, Global Winner of Wildlife Conservations Programs in the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler World Savers Awards (2009), is supporting this conservation and community initiative for the 10th year, in association with Cape Nature, as well as co-sponsors, red espresso® and Just Trees. Other participants include the Wildflower Society, the local Branch of the Botanical Society and the Cederberg Conservancy, as well as local schools. Enquiries and bookings to attend: Bushmans Kloof Tel 021 481 1861 or jill@bushmanskloof.co.za
An ecological oasis of staggering beauty and timeless tranquillity, Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat is dedicated to restoring and preserving the surrounding 7500 hectare reserve to the splendour of centuries ago. In line with this ethos, Bushmans Kloof has given its long-term commitment to assist CapeNature in an effort to save the endangered Clanwilliam cedar tree (Widdringtonia cedarbergensis) from extinction.
The endemic Clanwilliam cedar tree occurs only in the Cederberg mountains, some 250km north of Cape Town, and it represents one of 1 000 surviving conifer species in the world. The species is categorised as endangered on the Red Data List as it is facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild. To date the project has initiated the planting of more than 500 young cedar trees in the Cederberg area.
In what has now become a greatly anticipated botanical event for the local community, the annual Cedar Tree planting will this year be taking place at Heuningvlei, a rural village in the Cederberg, on Saturday, 22 May 2010. Now in its 10th year, this significant event also involves the community members of Heuningvlei, as well as children of the local Elizabethfontein Primary School and other schools from the area, where it forms an important part of environmental and conservation education. Members of local groups such as the Botanical Society, the Wildflower Society and the Cederberg Conservancy also participate.
Rika Du Plessis, Conservation Manager at Matjiesrivier Nature Reserve, Cape Nature will be present to underpin the day’s activities that will include the planting of cedar seeds that will be transported to Bushmans Kloof. Here they will be nurtured in the nursery until they have reached a growth stage where they can be transplanted safely back into the wilderness. The highlight of the day’s events will be the planting of mature seedlings in the grove and the surrounding wilderness area.
PROGRAMME OF EVENTS
Saturday 22 May 2010
10h00 - 10h30 : Refreshments on arrival
(The gate at the top of the Pakhuis Pass will be open on the day from 08:30 in the morning.)
10h30 - 10h45 : Welcome by Rika Du Plessis, Cape Nature
10h45 – 13h00 : Planting of the trees in the Wilderness Area
13h00 - 14h30 : Refreshments are catered for by the Heuningvlei
Community and Lunch is provided by Bushmans Kloof
14h30 - 16h00 : Planting of mature trees in the Heuningvlei Grove and seed planting with the children
*Please bring hand spades for the planting of the small trees and big garden spades to create the fire break around the plantation.
To attend: contact Jill Wagner or Jeanine de Vos on Tel. 021 481 1861 or jill@bushmanskloof.co.za. (Guest numbers required for catering purposes)
MORE ABOUT BUSHMANS KLOOF WILDERNESS RESERVE & WELLNESS RETREAT
Bushmans Kloof is a luxurious ecological oasis of 18 533 acres (7500 hectare), nestled at the foothills of the breathtaking Cederberg mountains, where majestic views, staggering rock formations, open plains, invigorating outdoor activities, luxurious accommodation, award-winning Cape cuisine and a wellness experience deeply rooted in Nature combine to create an unforgettable, luxury wilderness adventure.
Less than three hours’ drive from Cape Town, it is unequivocally recognised as a conservation success story, and was awarded the Relais & Châteaux Environment Trophy (2007), in recognition of its exceptional environmental and conservation projects. These include its Rock art conservation programme; providing a sanctuary for the endangered Cape Mountain Zebra and Clanwilliam Yellow Fish; its support of the Cape Mountain Leopard project and the Clanwilliam Cedar Tree project; as well as alien vegetation clearing. Other environmentally friendly practises at the lodge include the cultivation of organic kitchen gardens; recycling waste material; and water and energy saving.
Malaria and predator free, Bushmans Kloof is a sanctuary for many indigenous plants, animals and birds, including the endangered Cape mountain zebra. It is also home to over 130 San rock art sites, is recognized as one of South Africa’s Natural Heritage Sites, and is part of the Cape Floral Kingdom. It bases its entire business ethos on preserving the precious natural environment, while providing guests with the ultimate African wilderness experience in the beautiful surroundings of the Cederberg Wilderness Area, which forms part of the Cape Floral Region – a recognized World Heritage site.
A mere 270km from Cape Town, the 5-star Relais & Châteaux lodge, voted Best Hotel in the World 2009 (Travel + Leisure), is renowned for its warm, caring service and exceptional hospitality, where guests can expect superb contemporary Cape cuisine and world-class facilities. The mystical energy of this spiritual retreat is ideal for those seeking to reconnect with their inner self and the essence of life, while a tranquil spa offers a range of pampering treatments to restore and rejuvenate mind, body and soul. Guests who prefer the great outdoors and the thrill of adventure, may indulge in a wide range of exhilarating activities, such as daily guided rock art walks, mountain biking, canoeing, fishing, archery and swimming in rock pools or the four swimming pools.
Bushmans
Kloof Reservations:
Tel (021) 481 1860
Fax (021) 481 1870
email
info@bushmanskloof.co.za
www.bushmanskloof.co.za
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