Burning firebreaks in Ozwathini among small growers.
During surveys conducted in Mpumalanga in May 2025, aimed at investigating pine bark beetles, members of the TPCP team and Sappi detected an unknown bark beetle inhabiting galleries beneath the bark of harvested pine trees.
AirForestry says its drone felled trees in a working production forest and, separately, completed an end-to-end harvest without human control — each a first for the airborne thinning method it has built since 2020.
Biodiversity stewardship must extend beyond the boundaries of protected areas,” says Dr Ronald Heath, FSA’s Director of Research and Protection. “Conservation has to happen across entire landscapes, where productive land uses and natural ecosystems coexist and support one another.
The Timber Industry Pesticide Working Group (TIPWG) has issued a guidance note clarifying the use of glyphosate for firebreak preparation.
Forestry contributes significantly to South Africa’s economy, providing raw materials for domestic and international markets. Among many species, Eucalyptus grandis is valued for its rapid growth, adaptability, and high-quality wood.
Most of us love the idea of a beautiful garden. In reality, life gets busy. One week of rain becomes three. The hedges get a little wild, the shrubs start spilling over, and suddenly the garden feels like something you need to catch up on.
