An Introduction to Combating Soil Erosion and Practical Rehabilitation Training for Table Mountain National Park

Year:
2025

Summary:

Apex Conservation Services was contracted by South African National Parks (SANParks) to facilitate training on “An Introduction to Combating Soil Erosion and Practical Rehabilitation” as part of their Biodiversity Social Projects Programme. This training took place in February 2025 in Table Mountain National Park (TMNP).

The training programme was delivered over three days. On the first day of the training, participants were provided with a background on soil erosion, including:

• Identification of the different types of soil erosion,
• Common causes of erosion,
• Negative impacts and implications of erosion, and
• Soil erosion control and rehabilitation treatment methods.

Day one provided a theoretical overview, which established a good foundation for the hands-on practical part of the course that followed on days two and three. A good understanding of the problem enables the participants to make informed decisions. All participants received a manual with information on each of these techniques for combating soil erosion and rehabilitating land.

The second and third days of training took place within TMNP in the Hout Bay area. A suitable site within TMNP was selected to demonstrate the rehabilitation methods and techniques. This site was previously invaded by mature invasive alien plants, which had recently been felled. The soil surface was left unprotected and at risk of being eroded due to the lack of vegetative cover.

The teams were shown how and where to implement practical methods and techniques to help reduce soil erosion and promote the growth of indigenous species on this site. Key concepts such as slowing down destructive surface water flows, improving water infiltration and retention and creating suitable microclimates for indigenous seedlings to establish were covered. The participants were able to then put their newly developed skills to the test by designing and implementing some of the practical rehabilitation techniques they had been shown. Some rehabilitation techniques applied to the site included: silt traps, contour stabilisation using felled material, enviro blankets, mulch and brush packing and the revegetation of indigenous species.

The importance of coupling invasive alien plant clearing programmes with restoration and rehabilitation efforts was also highlighted. We were able to demonstrate how this site that had been cleared and not rehabilitated became degraded. The participants were taught that removing invasive plants should be done hand-in-hand with erosion control and practical rehabilitation to ensure that the benefits of clearing are enhanced, and to promote biodiversity and support indigenous species.

The participants thoroughly enjoyed the course and have developed core skills which they will apply across the TMNP for years to come. All participants who completed training were presented with a personalised certificate at the end of the training course.