Stellenbosch Wine Routes will plant 1 000 trees across the university town to restore landscape damaged by the storms that wreaked havoc across the Western Cape earlier this month.
Also read: Over R16 million disaster grants allocated to WC storm damage
The storm, which swept across the town and surrounding farmlands also added fuel to a fire that gutted the historic Manor House and Jonkershuis at Blaauwklippen, one of the oldest wine farms in Stellenbosch.
Furthermore, the storm also destroyed the oldest oak tree in Stellenbosch. The landmark stood on the corner of Dorp and Ryneveld Streets and was planted more than 200 years ago.
Stellenbosch is home to some of the oldest living in South Africa. Preference will be given to Turkish, Pin and Oak trees, Bizcommunity reports.
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‘Oak trees are synonymous with the Stellenbosch landscape,’ says Stellenbosch Wine Routes chair Michael Ratcliffe. ‘Not only do they line the streets that bring thousands of local and international visitors every year, but their magnificent presence is at the heart of every local’s love for the place.’
The tree-planting campaign will take place in phases, supported by 130 members of Stellenboch Wine Routes, including Kaapzicht, Taaibosch, Pink Valley and Le Chant, Remhoogte, Overgaauw and Kleine Zalze.
‘We are coordinating all our members to join this effort in the lead-up to South Africa’s National Arbor Week, from 29 August to 4 September,’ says Elmarie Rabe, general manager of Stellenbosch Wine Routes.
Meanwhile, the remains of the town’s oldest tree will be used for an art installation in the town centre, set to be revealed in October.
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Picture: Stellenbosch Municipality / Facebook
