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Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat in the Cederberg, is once again co-hosting the annual Clanwilliam Cedar Tree event, which takes place at Heuningvlei in the Cederberg Wilderness on Saturday 21 May 2011. This marks the 11th year that Bushmans Kloof has supported this conservation and community initiative, in association with CapeNature. 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 021 437 9265 or jill@bushmanskloof.co.za
An ecological oasis, Bushmans Kloof is nestled at the foothills of the magnificent Cederberg Mountains. Dedicated to the preservation and protection of indigenous wildlife on both the reserve and in the surrounding Cederberg Wilderness, it has long given its commitment to assist CapeNature in an effort to save the endangered Clanwilliam cedar tree (Widdringtonia cedarbergensis) from extinction. This, together with its dedication to restoring and preserving the 7500 hectare reserve to the splendour of centuries ago, earned it the coveted Condé Nast Traveler World Savers Award: Global Winner of Wildlife Conservations Programs (2009), as well as the Relais & Châteaux Environment Trophy (2007).
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.
Now in its 11th year, the annual Cedar Tree planting event takes place at Heuningvlei, a rural village in the Cederberg, on Saturday, 21 May 2011. It is one of the most anticipated botanical events on the local community calendar, and attended by the community members of Heuningvlei, as well as children from the local Elizabethfontein Primary School and other schools from the area, forms an important part of their environmental and conservation awareness and education. Members of local groups such as the Botanical Society, the Wildflower Society and the Cederberg Conservancy also participate on the day.
Partick Lane, Conservation Manager at Cederberg Wilderness, CapeNature will welcome guests and lead the day’s programme of activities. This 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. As always, activities will culminate in the eagerly anticipated planting ritual of mature seedlings in the grove and the surrounding wilderness.
PROGRAMME OF EVENTS
Saturday 21 May 2011
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 Patrick Lane, CapeNature
10h45 – 13h00 : Planting of the trees in the Wilderness
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.
To attend: contact Jill Wagner or Jeanine de Vos on Tel 021 437 9265 or jill@bushmanskloof.co.za. (Guest numbers required for catering purposes)
MORE ABOUT BUSHMANS KLOOF
Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat is a luxurious ecological oasis of 18 533 acres (7500 hectare), nestled at the foothills of the breathtaking Cederberg mountains. Here 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 has received international acclaim for 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, 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. Set among wide open plains, majestic rock formations and crystal clear waterfalls, it offers a host of enriching, relaxing and invigorating experiences, such as daily guided rock art walks, mountain biking, canoeing, fishing, archery and swimming in rock pools or the four swimming pools. Bushmans Kloof is a place of natural wonder where you can indulge in a vast range of activities, or do absolutely nothing but inhale the beauty, peace, and tranquillity in the midst of nature’s playground.
Bushmans
Kloof Reservations:
Tel (021) 481 1860
Fax (021) 481 1870
email
info@bushmanskloof.co.za
www.bushmanskloof.co.za
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