​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 Daries - who recently acquired his High-Angle Training. With this training and knowledge he can ensure our high altitude teams are save and implementing the correct procedures.  

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 GCBR, the conservancy recently made their training space available to train 15 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.

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.

​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).

​The 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 count 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?

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. 

​Since 2022, with the support of Swellendam Municipality, we have been hard at work with alien clearing projects in the towns of Swellendam and Barrydale. Our efforts within the towns have resulted in the initial clearing of 243 hectares, with follow-up maintenance on an additional 177 hectares. This monumental task will not only rejuvenated the landscape but has also provided a total of 4000 days of employment for local communities. We're proud of this achievement and grateful for the ongoing support of our funding partners.

​Our attention has now shifted to the riparian zone of the Koringlands River through Swellendam. This vital ecosystem requires delicate care to thrive, which is why we're committed to removing alien invasive species that monopolise water resources. By clearing these intruders and allowing natural vegetation to flourish, we're not only preserving biodiversity but also restoring the balance of these critical areas. We also have a monitoring programme to understand how this clearing improves the status of the river. Funding for these projects comes from the Swellendam Municipality, dedicated landowners, and the Breede Gouritz Catchment Management Agency. We have a similar project in place to restore the Huis River in Barrydale so watch out for news of that soon.

​As stewards of the land, it's our privilege and responsibility to protect the natural wonders that surround us. Our focus lies in minimising fire risks and controlling sparsely invaded regions, ensuring that the hard work of alien clearing isn't undone. Through our ongoing efforts in alien clearing and riparian zone restoration, we're working tirelessly to uphold this commitment. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our funding partners, landowners and contractors who make our conservation endeavours possible.
 
Together, we're not just clearing aliens; we're cultivating a future where nature thrives and continues to provide the ecosystem services that we all depend on. Stay tuned for more updates on our conservation activities, and let's continue to make a positive impact on the world around us.

​The Grootvadersbosch Conservancy has worked on the removal of Pereskia aculeata over the past few years and knows how problematic an alien invader it is. The conservancy used to burn off every stem of the plant which was quite an expensive process. The Grootvadersbosch Conservancy has been working with the Swellendam municipality to manage alien invasives and noticed an invasion in the centre of town. We urgently required an easier way of eradicating the pesky Pereskia, so we contacted Dr. Iain Paterson to aid us with some biocontrol. He posted the biocontrol to us where we could release it at two sites – the first site is at a Swellendam municipality near the mall and the second site is at the Buffeljags Dam.

​Pereskia aculeata originates from Brazil in South America and thus it has no natural predators in South Africa. It is a creeper plant that can easily outcompete and overgrow indigenous plants especially in forest and plantation areas, leaving them with no access to sunlight, natural pollinators, and water (Invasives SA, 2014). The spread of Pereskia aculeata is problematic as the areas with the infestation will become degraded and will have little growth of indigenous plant diversity over time. 

​Biological control (Biocontrol) is the use of a natural enemy, usually an insect or pathogen, to control and/or eradicate an alien invasive plant species (ARC, 2014). Biocontrol is an alternative method to control and eradicate alien invasive plant species and is very effective and often used in combination with mechanical control

Luckily for this Pereskia invasion, both biocontrol agents were delivered to us, Pereskia Flea Beetle (Phenrica guérini) and Pereskia Stem-wilter (Catorhintha schaffneri). We released both at the Swellendam municipality site and only the Pereskia Stem-wilter at the Buffelsjag Dam site. Both agents can only survive by feeding on Pereskia. The Pereskia Flea Beetle feeds on the leaves, forming big holes while leaving a trail of brown faeces. The Pereskia Stem-wilter feeds on the plant shoot tips, splitting them open and/or rotting them. 
 
We are very grateful for the incredible scientists who work so hard in developing these agents and so we decided to interview Dr. Iain Paterson who shares his experience in developing a biocontrol agent for Pereskia aculeata.
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​Dr. Paterson has always had a passion for nature, he loved plants and animals since childhood. Once he started university, he decided to study both Zoology and Botany. While studying, he discovered an interest in insects, he was fascinated by the idea of using insects as a biocontrol agent, consequently, he decided to pursue Entomology and he then did his Ph.D. on Pereskia aculeata.

​Dr. Paterson explained that they experimented with potential Biocontrol insects, which are all indigenous to South America. Five insects were used in the experiment and only two were found successful as a biocontrol. It took him 2 years to prove that the Pereskia stem-wilter beetle (Catorhintha schaffneri) will only feed on Pereskia aculeata and not on any other indigenous plants of Africa. 

​Pereskia aculeata is an alien-invasive vine plant species. Vine plants are almost impossible to remove successfully using chemical or mechanical methods without damaging the surrounding indigenous vegetation. Pereskia aculeata also has a nasty habit of resprouting where it has broken off and any present stem fractions will eventually develop into a new plant. Dr. Paterson once brought a Pereskia stem fraction from overseas within a clip file and, with no soil or water, the fraction grew leaves, displaying its remarkable survivability and durability.

​In general, insects are selective feeders, they always seek and select the plants with the most nutrients that their bodies can absorb. In their natural habitat, the Pereskia stem-wilter evolved by only feeding on Pereskia. Here in Africa none of our insects are familiar with Pereskia aculeata and will not feed on them. Without natural pests, Pereskia will outcompete our indigenous plant species and spread rapidly. 

​The public is advised to learn how to identify Pereskia aculeata and not to plant and grow it within their gardens. In the past, Pereskia was used as a hedge plant in the garden because it grows so effortlessly. If the Pereskia aculeata is removed by hand, all the biomass that is removed and disposed of will resprout. Wherever it ends up, it will create a new infestation so it is advised to let the biomass dry out, or even better, spray it with herbicide and once it turns brown, it should be burned.

​Dr. Paterson states that the Pereskia biocontrol will not immediately eradicate the whole alien plant, the beetles must first establish their population. Once established, the Pereskia infestation will slowly deteriorate over time as the beetles feed on the shoots and roots. This will decrease the spread of the plant and reduce the Pereskia infestation.

​The biocontrol is funded by the Department of Fisheries, Forestry, and the Environment (DFFE) and is provided by the Centre for Biological Control (CBC) of Rhodes University.
 
The Grootvadersbosch Conservancy can also be contacted if Pereskia is observed so we can track its spread and the success of the agent in its control.

​With the help of Dr. Paterson and the biocontrol agents, we are doing all we can to remove Pereskia aculeata!
 
We thank Dr. Paterson for his time and knowledge regarding Pereskia aculeata and the tremendous journey in creating a biocontrol agent!

​A year ago, our alien clearing team underwent a High-Altitude Training Course with Dion Tromp, making it possible for them to clear alien plants in areas that are only accessible with rope access equipment. Working at these high altitudes is a dangerous task but critical for our area which has many areas that can’t be accessed by normal clearing teams. Our objective was to provide the team with the best training and equipment so that they can perform these tasks as safely as possible. The work is crucial for our Korentepoort Alien clearing project, which involves clearing a kloof below the Korentepoort Dam that supplies water for the town and agricultural community of Riversdale.

PURPOSE OF THIS TRAINING

In January 2023, the high-altitude clearing team, along with Ricardo (project manager) and Twakkie (quality controller), attended a 2-day review training course. The course was once again presented by Dion Tromp at the beautiful Korentepoort Dam in Riversdale, Western Cape. This training course was conducted to test and ensure our team’s recollection of all the safety precautions, the tying of different knots, and to check the standard of the gear. ​On the first day, Dion briefly discussed high-altitude training in general, what procedures to follow when putting on the high-altitude climbing gear and what knots to tie in different scenarios. He discussed the importance of safety when operating at these heights and that the team must remember that safety is a joint responsibility. Everyone is responsible for checking each other and communicating to ensure that no mistakes are made. 

​DAY 1
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​After the brief discussion, the team went ahead and put on their equipment. Every team member checked the harness and each equipment piece and ensured that nothing was ripped, broken, or missing. Dion also reinformed the importance of tying the correct knots and securing them (making sure the knot will not come undone) and closing the carabine (which is a gear piece that essentially holds every other equipment piece in place).

​After a short break, the team commenced the practice of forming an anchor on level ground, using trees as anchor points. This rehearsal was done to ensure that the team could recall how to plan an anchor, what knots to use to secure the anchor, and how to execute the procedure effectively. 

​Afterward, the team was instructed to form a ‘lifeline’, this is used as a ‘path’ in high elevations to make a more secure and safe route to follow when walking at these altitudes. Despite it raining the whole of the first day, the team did a fantastic job.  

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DAY 2
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On the second day, the team went up into the Korentepoort dam kloof with all their equipment. It was the perfect day, with no rain, to do a practical assessment.  Dion explained that a practical demonstration must be completed, using the previous day’s training lesson and commentaries as a guideline. This procedure included planning and forming an anchor, descending the cliff to the designated area, with a rope bag, and ascending again. 

​The team executed the procedure perfectly and Dion was happy with the training session and confidently allowed them to continue the work in the kloof.

This short training session was conducted to refresh our team’s memories and reinforce the bond the team members have with each other (after their well-deserved vacation break). The training was done to remember all the necessary steps that need to be followed when doing high-altitude climbing as safely as possible.  

​Thank you to Dion Tromp for this essential training session with our High-altitude climbing team. 

The high altitude and access course took place in January, 2022. The training was led by Dion Tromp from Hi Angle Access and Rescue. Thank you to the South African National Biodiversity Institute for funding this training.

Dion Tromp owns his own company and specialises in training courses for high altitude teams and focuses on high angle wilderness safety, and rescue training. In our case, allowing our teams to safely conduct alien clearing, while on ropes at height. Dion provides very important training to institutions, such as the SA Air Force and Working on Fire. We are grateful that he provided this specialised training to our alien clearing teams as he really is the best in the business. Dion is so calm and always has a smile on his face and it was lovely for the team to spend his Birthday with him. They all sang for him to celebrate with him. 

The purpose of the course.
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This course was designed for people who need to perform a task at height. In this case, our team needs to do alien clearing, in natural environments, such as on steeps slopes or vertical, mountain rock faces.

When I walked into the shed with Linda, the conservancy's administrator, and saw our guys hanging on the ropes, we got goose bumps. We were impressed with this specialized training and how well Dion works with the trainees.

The high angle training consisted of introduction to the course and theory as well as practical. The trainees learned how to inspect their equipment and perform the job as safely as possible. The participants also learned to rig simple anchors, ascent and descend. They mastered edge transition without high directional help, rope to rope transfers, maneuver through a re-anchor and maneuver through a deviation. The practical was done in our office shed and the rest in the Tradouw Pass.

While doing the practical assessment in the Tradouw Pass, the ropes were tied to Dion’s car. The car was used as an anchor, and the trainees were able to do their exercise on the ropes. The training introduced a variety of rope access techniques, chosen specifically to improve the rescuer's ability to move through a static rope system. The trainees work at height, navigating rope obstacles and inspecting their equipment.

We could see how interesting the training was, even our project manager, Ricardo, and quality control officer, Twakkie, tuned in to observe and familiarize themselves with the high-altitude training.

When asked, the participants stated that they enjoyed the training, that it was challenging, and that they looked forward to each day. The training overall went well, so much so that we now have a very competent high-altitude team who are taking on the challenges of this important clearing work.

Getting to work...
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We spoke with the Contractor (Marthinus Pick) who worked with the high-altitude team after the training. Marthinus Pick posed some questions to the team, such as the difficulties and high points of the high-altitude clearing. So, we turned it into a type of SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities, and threats).

High- points (Strengths) 
They placed a high value on a sense of belonging to a group. When they work with the equipment and employ the proper methods, they feel good about it. They value the experience and the sense of accomplishment that comes with a successful day's work. They are also grateful because they are experiencing something that they had never considered doing before. Because the team had just returned from training and everything was still fresh, it was simple to apply the knowledge to the task.
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Challenges (Weakness)
The terrain was challenging for them to navigate. It was also challenging to finish the task with enthusiasm and optimism.  They expressed some difficulties adjusting from the clean, man made shed-structure that they had in the training to the realities of open rock faces where everything is a little more difficult to predict.The team did their best to apply the knowledge that they had gained from the training and the tasks that were assigned to them.

Responsibilities (Opportunities)
The team understands that they are each responsible for their own safety, as well as the safety of their team mates. They stated that they must ensure that their equipment is operational and that everything is in working order, and that it must be managed and monitored. Communication is also an important factor, and the team is aware that they must be able to communicate with one another on a regular basis to ensure that everything is still in order. Obtaining all of these skills presents great opportunities for each member to grow and perhaps move on to even greater things in life. This training has then opened them up to many new opportunities.
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What they believe can be improved (Threats)
There are ways to improve by providing additional equipment for each member of the team so that more individuals can be on ropes at all times. It was noted that more attention must be paid to securing the anker because it causes the work to slow down if it is not in the proper place. As a team,there is a need to always plan carefully and follow through on what is agreed in the planning. 

​Regardless of the obstacles, we are proud of the high altitude team's work thus far and look forward to seeing what they will achieve in the near future.

​The chainsaw and brush cutter training took place in late November and over 20 trainees attended. This training was funded by the South African National Biodiversity Institute. The week that the training took place was rainy and a bit chilly. While they were busy with chainsaw training, the trainees made jokes and laughed, while sharing stories in the field. Working with a chainsaw is a valuable skill to have, but it can be difficult at times and dangerous so there was always a serious element to every part of this training. However, these young men and women were eager to complete the course and obtain their qualification. Every trainee was geared up for this challenge.

What is a chainsaw?

A chainsaw is a power- driven cutting tool with a teeth set on a chain which moves around the edge of a blade. A chainsaw is a heavy machine that poses safety risks due to its external blades and cutting components; therefore, participants must pass the practical section of the course with a perfect score. Within the content of the work, the participants learned about the parts (external components) of the chainsaw.

Facilitators
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The chainsaw training was led by Lesley Dick and Thembalethu Kamsela from Coalition Training and Skills Development. The participants wanted to know how to use a chainsaw as well as the safety procedures and requirements during the felling operation. Lesley went through the theory and assisted with the practical aspects and Themba also supported with theory and was mostly involved in the practical assessment.
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A chat with Themba, revealed that he was excited about the team who were committed to get the chainsaw qualification. “I’ll work with them when they do their practical’s, they’re still young and fit.’’   

Content of the training
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Exhaust fumes and white finger disease were among the health risks discussed with the participants. White finger disease is a syndrome that affects the blood vessels, nerves, muscles, joints, and connective tissue of the hand, wrist, and arm. Employees who use handheld or hand guided power tools for more than a few hours per day are at risk of vibration white finger. The facilitator further discussed the consequences of an operator not wearing proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).
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The participants learned about transporting the chainsaw and the dangers of reactive forces. They were made aware of tree felling and the important aspects of it, for example, felling direction, felling quality and preparing for felling. They also learned about the maintenance of the chainsaws.

The Protective Clothing

The facilitators made it a point that the team, had all the right PPE to do the practical application. The following PPE is required when operating a chainsaw.

• Safety helmet
• Chainsaw protection pants
• Protective gloves
• Safety shoes
• Face visor
• Safety googles
• Earmuffs

Outcomes of the Training
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When the trainees completed this specific training, they needed to be familiar with chainsaw parts and basic mechanics. They must be able to ensure safety when using a chainsaw. They had to be able to start and prepare the chainsaw and be able to fell trees using standard techniques. The importance of cleaning the chainsaw after use was also discussed. Lesley always emphasized the importance of keeping the chainsaw clean because chainsaws emit oil and grease. When the machine is turned off and cold, the oil gets stuck between the chain, guide bar, and sprocket and can shorten its life span; therefore, it must be thoroughly cleaned after each use.

Routine maintenance, and knowing when to service chainsaw, or change chains or adjusting the tension of a chain was also covered. Other outcomes from the training were that trainees must be able to communicate with the right chainsaw linguistic to ensure safety during operation. 

​​The chainsaw course went very well, and the participants reaped the benefit of working hard to pass the course. They are now qualified chainsaw operators. We have great confidence in them, as they are now officially competent.

​The brush cutter training was also coordinated by Coalition Training and Skills Development and funded by the South African National Biodiversity Institute. Brushcutter training is vitally important for fire break maintenance. Siyabulela Xaki was the person in charge of the training and the participants completed theory and practical components. Siyabulela was good with the trainees. He made jokes at times but when it was time to work, it was time to work! 

 
What is a brush cutter?
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A brush cutter is a powered garden or agricultural tool used to trim weeds, small trees, and other foliage that a lawn mower or rotary mower cannot reach. For specific applications, various blades or trimmer heads can be attached to the machine, which is powered by a unit held close to the body. 

A brush cutter is classified as a heavy machine which poses safety risks due to their external blades and cutting components and it is therefore mandatory for the trainees to pass the practical 100% to ensure the facilitator that the participants will not be at risk when operating the specific machinery.
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Like the chainsaw training, the brush cutter was divided into two sections which was the theory and the practical. With the theory, we covered all the parts of the bush cutter, the dangers, and the disease that you might get when not using the proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).

Safety First
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Safety is very important. PPE was one of the most important safety measures. PPE consists of a safety helmet, eye protection, leg protection, footwear, ear protection and gloves or mitts.

Siyabulela made sure that every participant had PPE and was wearing their PPE when operating the brush cutter. Before starting the participants needed to go through the parts of the brush cutter, see if all is in good order and record if something is not and ensure that the brush cutter is safe to use.
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While operating a brush cutter the students were taught that a safe distance between two operators is 15 meters and Siyabulela made sure of this rule. The trainees were also shown how the refuelling works with the brush cutter and how to do so safely. 

​The practical application was done at strawberry hill farm, and the participants learned how to switch on and off the brush cutter and operate it. They learned how to use the choke and the handles. They practiced how to change the brush cutter blades and nylon string. An interesting part for the trainees was to learn which blade is used for which vegetation. When the participants did the practical assessment, the operation switched from cutting grass to cutting younger trees (alien trees), and a different, stronger blade was used, instead of the nylon. 

Siyabulela joked that the one trainee did not want to give the others a chance to use the brush cutter. Everyone laughed because they knew how much fun cutting could be, once you have mastered the brush cutter. The brush cutter training went very well as well. We were overjoyed and had no reason to complain. We are grateful to Coalition Training and the funder, SANBI, for helping us to master this important skill. Thank you.

​Participants of the working for water programme, which focuses on the clearing of alien vegetation, completed first aid level 1 as well as health and safety training last week. The training was facilitated by Verity Arends from Coalition Training and Skills Development. The trainig involved 12 participants for both first aid as well as health and safety and both courses were set out over two days and included practical and theory and were held at the new Shed at Strawberry Hill Farm.

​​The sessions started at 8am in the morning and ended at 4pm in the afternoon, including a lunch break. The participants strongly engaged in the practical aspects, where they had to perform CPR on dolls, and practice using the stretcher and wearing protective clothing, such as gloves. The outcomes that the learners needed to be able to perform after this training, included understanding emergency situations and treating injuries in the workplace and demonstrating knowledge of hazards, safety and emergency procedures in forestry operations and explaining preventative measures in the workplace.

​​The enthusiasm of the learners was high throughout the first aid as well as health and safety. They enjoyed listening to everyone’s stories and experiences in the workplace as they are not from the same teams and they hardly knew each other but could speak about common challenges in the workplace. They were able to give each other possible solutions and discuss what works for certain teams and what doesn’t.

​As the student attending the training, I was encouraged by the stories told and how people spoke from the heart. For example, there was someone who had recently had a heart transplant and was still working and there was someone who had injured his hand with a chainsaw, while working elsewhere. 

​The teams were aware of the hazards for the people on the ground. Going back into the field as safety representatives or first aiders, they knew they had a responsibility towards the team, not only to be available for whenever an incident occurs, but also to inform and educate their team members so everyone is safe. In addition to all that was learnt, it was lovely to get to know the people in the teams. To hear what they face in the workplace, to hear them ask questions, engage and want to educate and better themselves and to develop their skills.

Last week, some team members went to the mountains above Suurbraak to apply a biocontrol agent to invasive hakea trees. Silky hakea (Hakea sericea) is an evergreen tree with very prickly leaves. It invades mountain fynbos as well as coastal grassland. A native of Australian, it was once cultivated for dune cultivation and hedging. Hakea trees usually grow fast and produce a lot of seeds. They form large stands and seeds can be transported by the wind for long distances, and new infestation develop quickly in neighbouring valleys. 

There are large infestations in the coastal mountains of the Cape floral region in the Western Cape. Many infestations occur in remote or inaccessible areas and so invasions can become extensive before they are noticed. A further challenge is that fire increases the prevelance of the population. For remote mountainous areas, bio control is most effective. Regular follow up is also always essential to keep the aliens in check. 

​Biocontrol makes use of a plant's naturally occurring enemies to reduce the invasive impact of a species. There are many different bio control agents that can control hakea but we used an indigenous fungus that has successfully been used to control hakea. The biocontrol was applied to the adult trees by spraying it on to an exposed wound which was made with a simple, custom-made tool (a plank with exposed nails). 

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