Reforestation continues as UCT restores its urban forest following devastating fires

Arbour Week (1–7 September) is set to kick off with a significant environmental restoration project in the dam precinct at the University of Cape Town (UCT). This initiative is part of a larger, multi-year endeavour by UCT’s Properties & Services (P&S) department to mitigate erosion and restore indigenous biodiversity, particularly after the devastating fires of 2021.

The catastrophic fires that ravaged UCT in 2021 decimated much of the vegetation that stabilised the slopes and served as a green lung for the campus. Though it left deep scars on the landscape, particularly in the dam precinct and the adjoining forest areas bordering Table Mountain National Park (TNP), it also provided an opportunity for environmental restoration, which included an appropriate tree-planting project.

Noelene le Cordier, senior horticulturist and the project leader, emphasised that the immediate aftermath was marked by the challenging task of managing a post-fire recovery project plan, which included the removal of burnt trees and dealing with the emergent invasive species.

“The fires created a dire need for urgent intervention,” Le Cordier said. “Invasive species are often the first to sprout after a fire, and without prompt action, they can dominate the landscape, making it difficult for indigenous vegetations to reclaim their territory.

“It is worth mentioning that while invasive species need to be regulated and replaced where possible, a certain percentage of invasive species can help maintain a healthy ecosystem.”

The replacement of retained exotics will be done over time. At present, Le Cordier wants to take advantage of their contribution to the urban forest as green infrastructure and their contribution to landscape and environmental functionality. It is interesting to note that raptors were utilising the coniferous forests above the tennis court for nesting and shelter. The remaining trees could provide nesting for remaining raptors.

A focus on indigenous planting

One of the most striking aspects of this greening project is its focus on planting indigenous species, which have a cultural significance and are better suited to the biome. Tree-planting will start on the slopes above the tennis courts with donated trees. This will create an opportunity to plant a variety of trees and evaluate their performance, which will inform future tree-planting on these slopes. 

“Where possible, we are choosing species that are both indigenous and suited to the unique conditions of the site,” she said. “But we are also considering Mediterranean species, for instance, Pinus Pinea (the stone pine) and Quercus cerris (the Turkish oak), which are both part of the cultural landscape and resilient to shot hole borer attacks. Added benefits are their fire-resistant qualities, environmental functionality, and they are well suited to our environment.”

Selection process

This careful selection process is critical in ensuring that the replanting efforts are sustainable and effective. The goal is not only to restore what was lost, but to create a more resilient ecosystem that can withstand future environmental stresses. Maintaining and keeping track of all the species across every UCT property can be an arduous task, but necessary to manage the tree’s maintenance including risk mitigation. Le Cordier sheds some light on how the team keeps track of all the trees.

The trees are entered into a tree inventory management system. A service provider has been tasked to build this database using an application especially developed for urban forest management called Tree Plotter. This data is then used to keep track of the UCT urban forest management plan (UFMP). The extended areas such as the dam and transitional areas between TNP and UCT are also recorded for future management. The UFMP keeps track of work requirements, prioritising works to fit available budgets, and providing continuity for due diligence while providing advocacy for the urban forests’ maintenance programme.  

“The health and safety of the campus community is important and therefore we consult with professional arborists to undertake the required risk assessments to mitigate tree hazards. The tree risk register considers health and safety, trees damaging infrastructure, storm damage events, and risk associated with security, which mainly focuses on access via trees over security fences and the like.”

Collaborative efforts and community involvement

The scale of this project is unprecedented at UCT, and it has attracted significant attention and support, both locally and internationally. Earlier this year, UCT partnered with Lions International, who helped kickstart the project with a major tree-planting event.

This tree-planting event had a symbolic moment with the planting of evergreen trees at the gravesite of the first principal and vice-chancellor of UCT, Sir John Carruthers Beattie. This was earlier referred to where experimental planting will be done.

“Where possible we are choosing species that are both indigenous and suited to the unique conditions of the site,”

Le Cordier shared a poignant moment from one of the past tree-planting events, where a senior executive from a major international corporation expressed deep gratitude and understanding of the importance of the project.

“I asked her what this planting meant to her, and she responded with such sincerity,” Le Cordier recalled. “It was clear that this was not just about ticking a box for corporate responsibility but genuinely contributing to something meaningful.”

These tree-planting events are designed to be more than just symbolic gestures, Le Cordier noted. They involve meticulous preparation – from selecting the right locations for each tree and digging the holes, to post-planting care.

“We prepare the area in advance, ensuring that the trees have the best possible chance to thrive. It’s a collective effort, with everyone from local community members to international visitors playing a part in the restoration.”

Challenges and strategic decisions

Despite the enthusiasm and support for the project, there have been significant challenges. One of the most pressing issues is the ongoing presence of invasive species, particularly in areas like the dam precinct, where the stability of the slopes is a concern. In some cases, the project team have had to make difficult decisions. “For example, we’ve had to keep some Australian acacias in the dam precinct because they help stabilise the embankment and for environmental functionality,” she explained. “It’s a delicate balance between eradicating invasives and maintaining the integrity of the landscape.”

Another challenge has been dealing with the remnants of the storm-damaged trees from last year’s severe weather. Many high-risk trees had to be removed to prevent further damage, underscoring the need for continued planting to replace what was lost and to suppress invasive growth.

Looking ahead: a greener future

UCT’s greening effort will remain focused on creating a sustainable and resilient environment. This includes ongoing maintenance and careful monitoring of the newly planted trees to ensure their success. Le Cordier is optimistic about the future and sees this project as a vital part of UCT’s long-term environmental strategy.

“We’re not just planting trees; we’re investing in the future of our campus and our community. This project is about more than just restoring what was lost – it’s about creating a legacy that will benefit generations to come.”