Have you ever heard of a fungus that helps control invasive alien plants? Meet Cylindrobasidium torrendii, a naturally occurring fungus that could revolutionise black wattle treatment. This tiny organism is helping manage areas of invasive species like Acacia mearnsii (black wattle). Black wattle is a fast-growing, aggressive plant that spreads rapidly and outcompetes indigenous vegetation. Black wattle disrupts ecosystems by consuming excess water and nutrients, displacing the indigenous flora.
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Recently, the Grootvadersbosch Conservancy had the privilege of hosting Dr Alan Wood from the Agricultural Research Council, an expert in plant pathogen behaviour and biocontrol development. Dr Wood presented his biocontrol solution as an alternative to herbicide to control black wattle on cut stumps. The Conservancy is working with Dr Wood to test this approach in real world conditions.  

During his visit, Dr Wood demonstrated to the Grootvadersbosch team and a group of alien clearing workers how the biocontrol works. He explained how to mix and apply the fungus on stumps immediately after cutting down black wattle trees, ensuring it is absorbed through the stump and into the roots. This method targets the tree’s internal systems without the potential environmental and human health risks associated with herbicides.
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Unlike herbicides that can harm the environment and workers who appply, without the correct protective equipment, Cylindrobasidium torrendii offers a natural, water-based solution. The biocontrol is applied directly onto the stump after cutting the tree at ankle height with either a chainsaw or silky saw. From there, the fungus colonises the tree’s roots and slowly decomposes them, preventing regrowth. It’s like pressing a natural shutdown button for unwanted black wattle trees. Best of all, the fungus is species-specific, meaning it won’t spread to surrounding indigenous plants, making it an eco-friendly alternative to herbicides. Dr Wood is trialing a new, and more cost effective, formulation of this fungus. 

Although Cylindrobasidium torrendii isn’t a fast-acting solution, it is possibly a more sustainable and less harmful method for combating black wattle. It takes time for the fungus to spread and for the decomposition process to fully take effect, but the long-term benefits could make it worthwhile and this approach allows indigenous plants to recover naturally. 

​The Grootvadersbosch Conservancy has recently launched an exciting new project called the "Comfy Cows" Initiative, aimed at addressing climate change while enhancing animal welfare on local farms. In collaboration with a progressive dairy farmer, the Conservancy is implementing strategic tree planting within agricultural pastures, creating a natural solution to heat stress and promoting sustainable farming practices.
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This unique partnership is a shining example of how conservation and agriculture can work together to benefit both the environment and the farming community.

Creating Comfort for Cows: Trees for Shade and Shelter
At the heart of the Comfy Cows Initiative is the planting of indigenous trees and shrubs within the dairy farm’s pastures. These trees will provide essential shade and shelter for the cattle, protecting them from rising temperatures and reducing the impact of heat stress—a growing issue as global temperatures increase.
Currently, farmers use shade nets to provide cover for their cows, but these require frequent replacement and maintenance. By planting fast-growing pioneer species alongside long-living, non-toxic trees, the farm is investing in a long-term solution that will not only improve animal welfare but also cut future costs. Over the coming decades, these trees will provide natural shade and significantly reduce the need for artificial shelters.
 
Tackling Environmental Pressures with Sustainable Solutions
The Comfy Cows Initiative is also helping local farmers meet the increasing pressures of environmental and animal welfare regulations. With growing global demand for sustainable agricultural practices, farmers are seeking new ways to ensure the health of their animals, soil, and surrounding ecosystems.
This project aligns perfectly with these needs by contributing to local biodiversity, enhancing ecosystem services, and supporting carbon sequestration efforts. Through sustainable tree planting, farmers are not only improving conditions for their livestock but also playing a vital role in combating climate change. The project is also creating additional employment opportunities for our newly trained restoration teams who are learning new ways to integrate restoration practices into sustainable agriculture.

A Future Opportunity: Indigenous Fodder Plants
 In addition to the shade provided by trees, the project has raised interest in exploring the potential of indigenous fodder plants—an area that is not yet well-researched but could offer valuable benefits to both livestock and the environment. As the project grows, this may become another avenue for collaboration with local farmers, creating a more holistic approach to sustainability in agriculture.
 
Comfy Cows: A Model for the Future of Farming
The Grootvadersbosch Conservancy’s Comfy Cows Initiative demonstrates how farmers can integrate sustainable practices into their operations while supporting both the environment and their bottom line. By investing in natural solutions, such as tree planting, farmers are taking proactive steps to meet the demands of a changing climate and more stringent regulations, all while ensuring the welfare of their animals.
 
This initiative is more than just a local project; it’s an example of how collaboration between conservationists and businesses can lead to innovative, long-lasting solutions. Through Comfy Cows, the Conservancy is showing that a sustainable future is possible when we work together to create systems that benefit both nature and agriculture.
As this project continues to grow, it will serve as an inspiration for other farms and industries looking to adopt eco-friendly practices. 

The Grootvadersbosch Conservancy is proud to lead the way in building a more resilient, climate-conscious farming community.

​Ever wondered what it's like to dangle 100 metres in the air, with just a rope keeping you from gravity’s grip? Well, welcome to high-angle rope work—where everyday tasks like washing windows or alien clearing take place in the sky!

Picture this: You're strapped in, harness tight, helmet snug. Below, the world looks small as you pull yourself up, one line at a time. The sunshine on your face and the only sounds are the creak of your gear and your own heartbeat. It’s not just work—it’s a vertical adventure!
From skyscrapers to cliffs, high-angle work gives you views that no desk job ever could. And yes, the adrenaline? That’s just a bonus.

Ready to hang out?

These are the words from our quality controller - Philip Dairies - who recently completed his High Angle course where he can safely implement and manage High-Angle teams. Please enjoy the rest of where Philip explain the type of equipment they use and why we are doing this work.   

What Exactly Is High-Angle Rope Work?
Ever looked up at a building or cliff and spotted someone hanging from a rope, casually working away as if gravity isn't a thing? Yep, that’s high-angle rope work—a job that mixes equal parts adrenaline, skill, and a love for heights. Let’s dive in (safely, with a harness on!) to what makes this job both thrilling and practical.

Imagine trying to remove alien plants on a cliff in the mountain range —only it’s hundreds of metres above ground, and no piece of equipment or ledge is safe enough. That’s where rope work comes in. Using specialised equipment like harnesses, ropes, ascenders, and carabiners, professionals safely access hard-to-reach spots by dangling like adventurous human spiders. This isn't your everyday desk job—think of it as extreme multitasking at great heights!

We had the privilege to receive first-hand training from a matured technician in his field with decades of experience, Mr. Dion Tromp from High-angle Rescue and Access. With decades of experience, he shared his experiences and knowledge with us as we embarked on a new journey. Emphasising that safety comes first and that ropework is not time-based but rather safety-based. “Take your time as long as you are safe while dangling”, as he would exclaim. In partnership with the Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve (GCBR), the conservancy recently made their training space available to train X number of people in rope access. We also used the opportunity to offer a refresher training to our active rope access teams and train a new supervisor to oversee the work. The GVBCT has been implementing rope access work in the Korente-Vette River gorge for the past 3 years and has successfully remove the alien invasive species in the areas that we have worked in.

​The Gear: It’s More Than Just a Fancy Rope
Sure, the rope is important (really important!), but there’s a whole array of gear designed to keep workers secure and comfortable while they dangle mid-air. Here’s a quick rundown of the essentials:

• Harness: Think of it as your security blanket, but way cooler. This hugs your body tight, keeping you snug and attached to the ropes while keeping all your equipment on you secure.

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• Asap: One of, if not, the most important piece of equipment you can have as a rope work technician, counts as 1 point. It glides with you up and down but locks instantaneously when experiencing shock loads, keeping you safe from gravity’s fate.

​Asap absorber: The lifeline to your safety line. This device keeps you anchored to you and your ASAP, in this case, with 2 trilock carabiners (usually has 1 trilock and 1 screw-gate carabiner). The Asap absorber serves as a shock absorber when bad turns to worse.

​Screw-gate Carabiners: These little metal clips are your lifeline—literally! They secure the ropes to your harness, and their job is to make sure everything stays attached and connected.

• Ascenders & Descenders: Fancy tools that help you go up and down like a superhero. Ascenders lock in place when you pull yourself up, while descenders let you glide down smoothly (or as gracefully as you can manage).

First image is an I’D used for descending and counts as 1 point. The next piece of equipment is a Jumar followed by the Croll, used for ascending. These two are used together and counts as 1 point accumulatively. 

What Does a Day Look Like for a High-Angle Rope Worker?
Spoiler alert: It’s not all death-defying stunts and dramatic scaling of mountains. Though, to be honest, some days might be exactly like that! A typical day might involve checking equipment, setting up anchor points, and making sure everything is secure before even stepping off the ground.
With this training experience, we can now ensure that every worker knows exactly how to operate when it comes to high-angle work. Every movement is calculated because at 100 meters up, there’s no room for error. Workers must trust their gear, their skills, and their teammates. When doing site inspections (with this knowledge) that’s exactly what we’ll be looking at.

Ensuring the safety of the team is the FIRST priority.

​Why Choose Rope Access Over Traditional Methods?
Good question! Rope work is expensive work because the training and equipment are very costly but, in the long run, it is really important and can be safer than trying to do the work without ropes. Imagine preparing to remove a tree on a ledge but you must walk and cling on for dear life when doing it—now imagine just clipping into a rope and rappelling down in half the time. It’s also less intrusive, allowing workers to keep operating without bulky equipment blocking the way. The work is essential to reach the hard to get to places in the mountains and is much safer. This allows us to do our job more efficiently and more accurately, instead of clearing an area while leaving 2 or 3 trees.
 
Final Thoughts: Rope Work—For the Brave at Heart
If you’ve ever wanted a job that’s anything but ordinary, high-angle rope work might just be for you. It’s the perfect blend of technical skill, physical fitness, and, well, hanging out in the sky! Whether it’s fixing things in high places, keeping mountains clear of invasives, or inspecting hard-to-reach areas, these sky-walking professionals keep everything running smoothly—all while having the best view in the house.
Now, who’s ready to go for a (safe) climb?

​The Grootvadersbosch Conservancy is dedicated to preserving the health of our rivers, particularly those flowing through the Grootvadersbosch Conservancy. Recently, we had the opportunity to visit the Barrydale Wastewater Treatment Works, engaging with the Swellendam Municipality, Zutari, and Breede-Olifants Catchment Management Agency.

​The visit allowed us to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced in managing wastewater systems.

​Our mission is to raise awareness and educate our communities about the critical links between wastewater treatment and river protection. We learned that while wastewater treatment facilities play a crucial role in managing the water we use, every individual can contribute to reducing the strain on these systems and, in turn, protect our rivers and oceans.

​Exploring Nature-Based Solutions
We are excited to collaborate with the municipality on innovative, nature-based solutions for wastewater treatment. These include bioremediation techniques, constructed wetlands, and biofiltration systems. Constructed polishing wetlands mimic natural ecosystems, leveraging plants and microorganisms to remove pollutants through biological, physical, and chemical processes. Not only do these systems treat wastewater, but they also enhance biodiversity, provide habitats, and improve water quality in surrounding areas.

Stay tuned as we continue to explore and implement these promising solutions.

Your efforts, combined with these advanced methods, will play a vital role in safeguarding our rivers and ensuring a healthier environment for all.

From The Grootvadersbosch Conservancy Team:
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For more tips on eco-friendly cleaning alternatives, visit: Water Stories - Take Action