New record-breaking Helihack pine clearing at Boosmansbos
A successful Helihack operation has cleared a further 16 276 invasive pine trees, which covered 2 500 hectares from the slopes of the Boosmansbos Wilderness Area.
From 7–9 November 2025, 21 volunteers were airlifted into the rugged mountain peaks to tackle areas otherwise impossible to reach. Over three days, they cleared 16 276 invasive pine trees and restored 2 500 hectares, setting a record for both volume and area cleared.
The Boosmansbos Wilderness Area is a protected World Heritage Site and a key strategic water source, feeding the Duivenhoks Dam and supplying around 15 000 residents with water. These critical catchments are under constant pressure from water-intensive invasive pine trees, which act as relentless “water thieves” in a water-scarce environment. Removing them is essential for both ecosystem health and regional water security.
Healthy ecosystems are the backbone of the Western Cape’s water security, livelihoods, and overall wellbeing. The removal of invasive alien species in Boosmansbos, strengthens the resilience of our catchments and ensures that water resources continue to flow to our communities. Initiatives like Helihack are helping to future-proof the Province, where our environment, economy, and people can thrive together despite the pressures from climate change.
This record-breaking mission is another example of how CapeNature’s partners provide complementary and additional capacity in conservation and ecosystem rehabilitation efforts in the Province. By removing invasive trees from Boosmansbos, we are not only restoring ecosystems but also protecting the water that thousands of residents rely on. Our partners like Helihack, in addition to providing critical and scarce skills, are also wonderful ambassadors for conservation.
This latest achievement builds on three years of work at Boosmansbos, where Helihack has cleared a total of 43 189 pines and restored 6 380 hectares, equating to 40% of Boosmansbos cleared. Earlier pilot missions in April 2023 and April 2024 demonstrated the success of the approach, leading CapeNature to formalise a three-year partnership in 2024.
This agreement ensures that the Helihack strategy continues at Boosmansbos and was expanded to four additional CapeNature reserves, reinforcing the Entity’s ongoing commitment to conserving the Western Cape’s biodiversity and securing vital water resources for communities and nature alike.
Related News
CapeNature bust - R500,000 fine for illegal reptile trafficking in the Western Cape
On Thursday, 12 February 2026, a Spanish citizen Mr David Navarro Roman (41) was convicted in the Vredendal Regional Court for the illegal possession and importation of 22 Armadillo Girdled lizards (Ouroborus cataphractus) and one speckled dwarf tortoise (Chersobius signatus) from Northern Cape to the Western Cape.
How CapeNature and partners "Reverse the Red"
Reverse the Red is “a global coalition of conservation organisations and species experts working together to accelerate action to halt and reverse biodiversity loss” and every year, 7 February marks Reverse the Red day. The term stems from the effort conservations make to try and reduce the number of species on the IUCN Red List.
CapeNature goes cashless at select nature reserves
In line with its commitment to service excellence, sustainability, and safety, CapeNature is excited to announce the transition to a fully cashless payment system at five of its flagship nature reserves from 2 February 2026. The move will streamline operations, reduce queue times, and enhance the visitor experience while reducing the risks associated with cash handling.
Celebrating the cultural heritage of wetlands on World Wetlands Day 2026
As the world commemorates World Wetlands Day annually on 2 February, CapeNature joins communities across the Western Cape in recognising the deep and enduring relationship between people, culture and wetlands, celebrating under the 2026 theme “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge… Celebrating Cultural Heritage”.
Cederberg fire recovery and visitor access
After a significant wildfire spread throughout the Cederberg Wilderness Area during the festive period, recovery and reopening efforts are now underway as CapeNature looks forward to welcoming visitors again. CapeNature has begun a comprehensive recovery programme, which will continue over the next six to twelve months.
Curio Shop Summer Essentials with CapeNature
Did you know that some of your most-loved CapeNature reserves have Curio Shops right on site? That’s right - making it easier than ever to take a piece of your journey home with you. From customised souvenirs to practical summer essentials, these shops are filled with locally made treasures crafted by small businesses, including beautiful handmade items.