Through a shared vision to not just replant trees but to heal the land and prevent future devastation, we partnered with the Heartland School of Self-Sufficiency in 2018 to launch the Heartland Forest Restoration Project. This collaboration is more than just a restoration effort; it’s a powerful case study in how a long-term corporate partnership can drive significant, tangible environmental action.

A prolonged drought, strong berg winds, and a landscape choked by invasive alien plants created a “perfect storm” that led to the catastrophic and infamous Knysna Fires. Nearly 100,000 hectares of land were burnt (in 2018 alone, read more here), over 600 homes were destroyed, and devastatingly, seven human lives were lost.

The fire burned directly through the Heartland property, a patch of forestry near Southern Africa’s largest forest complex. The damage was severe and largely due to large-scale monoculture pine plantations in combination with invasive vegetation, such as pine and eucalyptus, which both contain high levels of flammable volatile oils, allowing them to burn far hotter and faster than naturally occurring fynbos fires.

Agents of Widespread Land Degradation

Wildfires are complex phenomena, ignited by a variety of factors, and can be caused naturally or by human intervention. Regardless of the initial spark, a fire requires three key elements to ignite and spread: fuel (such as dry vegetation or volatile oils), oxygen, and heat. The coastal mountain landscapes of the Western Cape have been shaped by a unique and intertwined relationship between forest and fynbos, with the latter relying on fire to thrive, while the afromontane forest evolved to be fire resilient.

This dance between fire, fynbos and forestland has shaped these landscapes for eons. Now, highly flammable invasive species, like pine, in large scale monoculture plantations spanning thousands of hectares – as well as eucalyptus and cattle – are literally adding fuel to the fire, contributing to catastrophic fire risk given observed wildfire trends locally and globally. In addition – post fires, the invasive feedback springs to life, in even higher density, compounding the fire risk even further.

This brings us to the growing threat of wildfires, which is inextricably linked to climate change. A warming planet is creating conditions that are more favourable for fires to ignite and burn with greater intensity and for longer periods. Higher temperatures and prolonged droughts are key drivers, as they dry out forests, grasslands, and other vegetation, turning them into a massive supply of tinder-like fuel. 2024 saw the highest rates of forest loss due to wildfires in recorded history. Read more in the WRI publication here.

These changes, combined with altered weather patterns that can bring more frequent high winds, are making it easier for fires to spread rapidly and become uncontrollable. The result is a dangerous feedback loop where more frequent and intense fires release more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, further exacerbating global warming and creating the conditions for even more extreme fires.

Photography courtesy of Juliette Bisset.

A Holistic Model for Recovery

The Heartland project serves as a model for holistic post-fire recovery, with a strategic approach to healing the land from the ground up. This isn’t just about planting trees; it’s a multi-faceted process designed to restore the land’s natural defences against future fires. 

The first, and most critical, step is the management of alien invasive plants: Before the fire, species like pine and black wattle had created dense, highly flammable forest patches that allowed the fire to burn and spread as far and wide as it did. By systematically removing these invaders, we addressed the root cause of the catastrophic damage and began the process of reducing future fire risk.

Following the clearing, the project moved into a phase of assisted natural regeneration: This approach recognises the incredible resilience of the local ecosystem. The intense heat of the fire, while destructive in some ways, also played a surprising role by awakening the indigenous seed bank that had long been dormant beneath the soil. With the invasive species removed, these native seeds were finally able to sprout and grow. We are simply assisting this natural process by creating the optimal conditions for these resilient plants to thrive.

The final, targeted step was the strategic active planting of 6,300 indigenous tree seedlings: These trees were carefully chosen to accelerate the process of ecological restoration and to rebuild the forest with fire-resistant species specifically. Unlike the alien plants that fuel wildfires, a dense and healthy indigenous forest, with its diverse undergrowth, is naturally more fire-resistant. This phase ensures a rich, bio-diverse forest is established, which will act as a natural firebreak, protecting the area from future fire events. This holistic, three-pronged approach demonstrates a deep understanding of local ecology and provides a powerful blueprint for true, long-term resilience.

Photography courtesy of Juliette Bisset.

Building Resilience to Wild Fires Fire-Resistant Ecosystem

The outcomes of this holistic approach extend far beyond simply reforesting the land; the Heartland project has worked to create a healthy, more fire-resistant ecosystem. By restoring the land, the project has enhanced ecosystem services and increased species biodiversity, while preparing the landscape for escalating fire risks along the Garden Route (read more here). This revival is evident in the return of native birds, insects, and other wildlife as their natural habitat is restored.

Perhaps the most critical outcome is the restored indigenous forest’s function as a natural firebreak. The native trees and their associated undergrowth are less prone to burning, making the entire area more resilient to potential future fires. This project is a powerful model, not just for Knysna, but for other fire-prone regions around the world. It reinforces that adapting to a changing climate requires integrated solutions that recognise the importance of nature-based strategies and community involvement, proving that a healthy ecosystem is the best defence against environmental threats.

Rebuilding from the Ashes

The journey from the ashes of the 2017 fire and the work that has been done to restore this living ecosystem is a testament to the power of community and ecological restoration. It shows that while climate change presents significant challenges, we do have the tools to build a more resilient future, and the Heartland Forest Restoration Project is a prime example. Be a part of the solution this Arbor Month by supporting Greenpop’s work and proactive solutions that build resilience, protect communities and conserve ecosystems for generations to come.