Stellenbosch Wine Routes will plant 1,000 trees to restore the landscape damaged by the storms that wreaked havoc across the Western Cape earlier this month.
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. This was one of the oldest wine farms in Stellenbosch.
Furthermore, the storm 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.
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. These inlcude 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.
The town plans to use the remains of the oldest tree as an art installation for the town centre. Stellenbosch plans to reveal this in October.
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Featured Image: Stellenbosch Municipality / Facebook
Originally written by Ilze-Mari Van Zyle for Capetownetc.
