Image related to website content

Record-breaking pine clearing operation strengthens water security at Boosmansbos

27 May 2025

A successful HeliHack operation has cleared 15 194 invasive pine trees from the rugged slopes of the Boosmansbos Wilderness Area – a CapeNature-managed World Heritage Site and crucial catchment area feeding the Duivenhoks Dam.

From 3–5 May 2025, the latest mission to tackle the invasive alien vegetation marked the most successful pine removal in the initiative’s history.

Located in the Grootvadersbosch complex and forming part of the Langeberg Strategic Water Source Area, Boosmansbos plays a pivotal role in water security for approximately 15 000 residents of Heidelberg, Slangrivier, Witsand and surrounding farms. 

Invasive pine trees in the broader catchment are a major threat to both biodiversity and water supply, draining critical resources and intensifying wildfire risk.

Invasive alien plants are estimated to consume over 7% of South Africa’s water resources. Effective catchment management and restoration can increase streamflow by 15–30%, offering measurable benefits for people and ecosystems.

As a provincial government, we recognise that our natural ecosystems, such as our rivers, wetlands, forests, and catchments are the foundation of water and food security, economic opportunity, and public wellbeing. By clearing invasive species, we are actively strengthening the resilience of our Province’s natural infrastructure. These operations not only solve today’s issues but help to prepare the Province for the future. A future-fit Western Cape will help to protect our communities against the impacts of climate change and help to maintain a thriving biodiversity where natural resources are managed responsibly.

Anton Bredell, Western Cape Provincial Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning

Over just three days, 21 volunteers, supported by a helicopter crew, tackled decades-old pines rooted deep within the steep western slopes above the Duivenhoks River. The results were immense: 15 194 pines removed, 1 080 hectares covered, and 12.8 helicopter hours flown.

The May 2025 operation surpasses all previous HeliHack missions, bringing the cumulative totals to 26 913 pines cleared, 3 880 hectares restored, and 27% of Boosmansbos Wilderness Area cleared.

The scope of CapeNature’s work would not be possible if we only worked in silos. The Entity relies on the support of many partners to achieve our work and HeliHack is one such example of our successful collaborations. We’re securing water, protecting biodiversity, and building resilience for the future. Conservation gains are only sustainable in the long-term when government and citizens partner to innovate and implement.

Dr Ashley Naidoo, CEO of CapeNature
Image related to website content
Image related to website content
Image related to website content
Image related to website content

Boosmansbos, which spans 14 200 hectares, is not only a biodiversity stronghold but also a natural support for sustainable water supply. With climate change heightening pressure on water systems, innovative operations like HeliHack are essential in keeping catchments resilient.

You look down at those ancient pines on impossible slopes, and you know this is the only way to get them out. The precision and teamwork required for HeliHack are immense, and the results speak for themselves. 

Aleck McKirdy, Founder of the HeliHack Initiative

Every pine removed by HeliHack is a win for the Boosmansbos ecosystem. This operation is tangible proof that strategic, innovative conservation can make a profound difference for our natural heritage.

Michael Raimondo, HeliHack Volunteer
Image related to website content
Image related to website content
Image related to website content
Image related to website content

The HeliHack initiative also made the rediscovery of the elusive Boosmansbos long-tailed forest shrew possible. Conservationists from CapeNature, Grootvadersbosch Conservancy and volunteer biologists, worked alongside the HeliHack teams in the remote mountain peaks to confirm the continued existence of this tiny Critically Endangered species after 46 years of looking for it.

Read more about the long-tailed forest shrew that was last discovered 46 years ago.

CapeNature formalised its commitment to the HeliHack Project in 2024, expanding the initiative’s scope within Boosmansbos and across four additional Provincial Nature Reserves. This partnership signals an investment in innovation-led conservation, reinforcing CapeNature’s role as a custodian of the Western Cape’s natural heritage and the Cape Floristic Region.

Share:

Related News

De Hoop Nature Reserve Bontebok
26 Jun 2025
2025 State of Conservation Report highlights progress and priorities in protecting Western Cape biodiversity

CapeNature launched the 2025 State of Conservation Report this morning at its annual Conservation Review, offering a clear, evidence-based view of the Western Cape’s biodiversity and how conservation efforts are measuring up.

Key themes emerging from the report include sustained efforts to build biodiversity resilience in the face of climate change, the value of strategic partnerships, and the growing integration of monitoring data into planning and policy.

20160529 072239 W12 1921
19 Jun 2025
A Win for Renosterveld Conservation as Haarwegskloof Declared a Provincial Nature Reserve

In a major victory for biodiversity conservation, Haarwegskloof, which includes the largest remaining connected stretch of renosterveld left on Earth has officially been declared a provincial nature reserve.

The reserve is owned by WWF South Africa and managed by the Overberg Renosterveld Trust (ORT), a non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting and restoring the fragile renosterveld ecosystem that once covered large parts of the Overberg.

Tegansmithphotography damaratrail 8
12 Jun 2025
Damara Trail Wins Silver Award at International Tourism Film Festival Africa 2025

CapeNature is proud to announce that its Damara Trail video series has won the Silver Award in the Tourism – Products category at the prestigious International Tourism Film Festival Africa (ITFFA) 2025.

CapeNature’s videos stood out for their compelling storytelling, visual excellence, and ability to capture the essence of nature-based tourism in the Western Cape.

“We are incredibly proud that the Damara Trail videos have been recognised on an international platform. This award helps to underline our commitment to sustainable tourism offerings. Much like the Damara Trail itself, the video helps to tell the unique history and story of the Waenhuiskrans area to visitors both far and near,” said Sheraaz Ismail, Executive Director: Eco-Tourism and Access.

Thys De Pakhuys 5
11 Jun 2025
Climbing in Rocklands this Season? Here’s What You Need to Know After the Cederberg Fire

The Cederberg, a protected wilderness area managed by CapeNature and home to some of the most iconic climbing and bouldering routes in South Africa, was recently impacted by a wildfire that began on 7 March 2025. The fire ignited near Krakadouw Peak and burned for 13 days, before being fully contained on 20 March. In total, it scorched 20,834 hectares, spanning 97 kilometers of fire line, and included damage to the Rocklands “Bouldering Area” — a popular climbing zone. As a result of the fire, several popular climbing sectors and access routes have been damaged or are temporarily inaccessible. 

Biodiversity1
2 Jun 2025
The Big Biodiversity Challenge is back – Learners Tackle Biodiversity Crisis in Provincial Competition

The Western Cape Environmental Education Friends (WCEEF), together with members CapeNature, SANBI, Nature Connect, SANParks, Working on Fire, the City of Cape Town, The Environmental Education Association of Southern Africa (EEASA) and the Two Oceans Aquarium, is thrilled to announce the return of its successful competition for children in grades 6 – 9.

Biodiversity Press Release Image
30 May 2025
CapeNature's vision - Protecting biodiversity for a sustainable future

Biodiversity forms the bedrock of life on Earth. It is essential not only for sustaining healthy ecosystems but also for ensuring human wellbeing. Last week, on 22 May, we celebrated International Day for Biological Diversity, to raise awareness, educate, and build understanding around biodiversity issues, while inspiring collective effort to conserve it for future generations.