Numerous visitors to Majik Forest were shocked and outraged to see the poplar tree “forest” being ring-barked by City contractors over the past few days.
For many others, however, the ring-barking is cause for celebration.
The process of ring-barking (or girdling) trees involves the removal of bark around the circumference of a tree’s trunk which effectively leads to its death.
For many, the group of invasive poplar trees are the prettiest part of the park. It’s the backdrop to many a photoshoot and small celebrations, a quiet haven for many.
“It’s the poplar trees that make Majik Forest,” says Philip Basson, a resident who lives nearby.
“People come from far away for (that part of) Majik Forest.”
He also knows of people who bought their houses to be close to that part of the park.
Basson says he heard contractors working in the area on Wednesday but only went to have a look on Friday.
“I was shocked, horrified and absolutely speechless.”
He believes the spot where the trees are now will be desolate in six months and become a wasteland.
Louise Ferreira, an advocate who used to specialise as an environmental lawyer, says the removal is a step in the right direction and a decision that could positively impact future generations.
The White Poplar (Populus alba) is a tree that by law is categorised as a category 2 invasive alien species, which means among other things that a permit is needed.
Where these trees are located close to wetlands next to rivers and streams, their categorisation is changed to 1b and by law, they need to be removed.
In an explainer article on their website, the South African National Biodiversity Institute (Sanbi) says plants in this category are “invasive species requiring compulsory control as part of an invasive species control programme. Remove and destroy.”
These trees reduce water flow and are effectively planted on top of the ground that houses rare bulbs of the Swartland Shale Renosterveld.
This type of fynbos has become so endangered less than 5% of its habitat remains.
The City was forced by law to ring-bark the trees and as Majik Forest is classified as a Conservation Area in the City’s Biodiversity Network, this was bound to happen sooner rather than later.
“People have to see the bigger picture,” says Ferreira. “Climate change is happening. Business as usual is over.”
Renosterveld isn’t “showy”, she says, but fascinating and beautiful in its own way. And once rehabilitated and restored, the area will be an explosion of colour during spring. It won’t happen overnight, but will be worth it, she says.
“We need to educate ourselves on the growth of endemic species.”
Among other things, these species reduce carbon emissions, much more than planting a spekboom in your garden.
The removal of trees doesn’t mean a loss of something, but rather the gain of something else, she says.
Whether this reasoning is enough for those who have lost a treasured part of their lives remains to be seen.
