REFORESTATION & ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

As human populations in East Africa grow and more land is needed for food production, indigenous vegetation is often cleared without a clear legislature or incentive to protect it. It is often replaced with a monoculture of Eucalyptus, Wattle and Cypress timber plantations or food-based cash crops, leading to a steep decline in biodiversity and viable ecosystem services. The Brackenhurst Indigenous Forest is a fascinating example of how quickly that biodiversity and ecosystem services can be restored on a relatively small piece of land. This forest has contributed to a sharp, measurable increase in biodiversity and cleaner river water for downstream communities.

As a volunteer you will play a vital role in maintaining and conserving this forest, by uprooting invasive species (particularly Cestrum aurantiacum/Orange cestrum and Solanum mauritianum/Bug weed) that compete with indigenous plants for water and nutrients. You will also work alongside the botanical team collecting indigenous seeds and propagating them in the nursery. Rare trees in the forest are also being tagged with details such as scientific name, family and accession number, for both research purposes and visitor information. To encourage visitor-use, you’ll also be involved with developing and maintaining nature trails throughout the forest, particularly steep sections that need steps added.