02nd October 2014

Landscape approach to forest conservation

With reference to the article ‘Does natural forest size really matter’, published in the February 2013 issue of SA forestry magazine, written by Dr. Coert J. Geldenhuys, Dr Geldenhuys makes both direct, and indirect reference to my PhD thesis (Berliner 2009): a systematic plan for the forest biome of South Africa. The discussion below refers both directly and indirectly to these references...

23rd July 2014

Sustainable use of Miombo woodlands

When is the use of fuel wood and poles from Miombo woodland sustainable – when we move people out to protect the woodlands, or when we apply simple silvicultural practices to sustain resource use for rural livelihoods?

08th November 2013

The many uses of Pterocarpus angolensis aka ‘Kiaat’

Kiaat, Dolfhout, African teak, Bloodwood, Umbila, Mukwa and Mulombe are just some of the many common names of Pterocarpus angolensis, one of the prime timber species of the woodlands of southern Africa. The names reflect its wide distribution and the many different cultures of people who use this tree in many different ways...

06th May 2013

Does natural forest size really matter?

Why do people think that large forests have more conservation value than small ones? Does this apply to South Africa or only to the extensive tropical moist forests?

29th April 2013

Indigenous timber auction

The long-awaited auction of indigenous hardwood timber harvested from state forests was held at Buffels Rivier in the southern Cape...

01st November 2012

Pine vs Fynbos

Neels de Ronde tackles the controversy raging over the recent call to remove plantations from the Western Cape by suggesting that there is room for fynbos AND pine...

31st August 2012

Silviculture of three Millettia tree species from African forests and woodlands

Three timber species from different parts of Africa show that the response of species to tree harvesting and the sites of their active regeneration often provide the guidance to effective silvicultural management...

27th June 2012

Outeniqua Yellowwood, the majestic tree of our natural forests

Have you ever wondered how a little seedling emerging from a hard seed under the forest canopy can over time become a massive tree growing up to 50 m in height with a spreading crown of up to 30 m wide and a stem diameter of over 2 m; and live for over 2000 years? People often wonder whether Outeniqua Yellowwood can be planted more widely for its timber...

19th December 2011

Australian blackwood management in the Garden Route National Park

The alien invasive tree, Australian blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon) is well established today in and around the forests of the Garden Route National Park (GRNP). Even though it is an aggressive invader it does not aggressively invade closed, evergreen forests...

30th June 2011

Geo Parkes & Sons: surviving fires and wars

When English entrepreneur George Parkes arrived in Knysna in the early 1890s, he noted the great business opportunity presented by the hardwood timber that was growing abundantly in the surrounding natural forests...

30th June 2011

Harvesting in S. Cape

A group of timber merchants and furniture manufacturers based in Knysna are up in arms over the lack of progress

30th June 2011

How to live with trees and keep them healthy

During autumn, many trees in the urban environment drop their leaves in large amounts. People sweep or rake them together

30th April 2011

5th Natural Forests and Woodlands Symposium

Below are highlights of the Fifth Natural Forests and Woodlands Symposium which was held in Richards Bay from 10-14 April, and was hosted by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries...

30th April 2011

Protecting a rare woodland in Kathu

The uniqueness of the Kathu Forest was recognised as early as 1921, when it was declared a State Forest...

28th February 2011

Natural forests, conservation and development

Is DAFF going too far by including 'naturalising' forests in their efforts to protect 'natural' forests from uncontrolled development?

31st December 2010

Natural forests harvesting review

The tension has been rising in the southern Cape since SANParks announced that it had suspended harvesting of timber from the Southern Cape natural forests, which it has managed on behalf of government since 2005...

31st December 2010

New policy restricts development in natural forests

The National Forests Act of 1998 protects all natural forests, and no forest trees may be cut without a license. This Act also states that forests may not be destroyed, save in exceptional circumstances...

31st October 2010

Timber yield regulation in the indigenous forests of the Garden Route

The indigenous forests of the Garden Route form the largest forest complex in South Africa...

31st August 2010

Why are forest margins such a contentious management issue?

For many years the buffer width, ie. the unplanted open space between a plantation and natural forest, has been the subject of a controversial debate between plantation managers and conservationists...

30th June 2010

Selecting indigenous trees for your garden

There is growing interest in South Africa in planting indigenous trees in our parks and gardens, so we are fortunate to have so many beautiful tree species that could be planted more widely...

30th April 2010

Uses and management of natural forest wood in the Wild Coast

Many people think that natural forests along the Wild Coast in the Port St Johns area are getting lost, but what is their real status?

28th February 2010

Sneezewood or Mthathe: a well used natural forest species is looking after itself

This is the first of a series of articles by Dr Coert Geldenhuys, forest ecologist, on natural forests and natural forest species, focusing on their contribution and usefulness to the environment, to the livelihoods of people, and their potential to contribute to economic development.

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