GROENEWEIDE NATURE WALKS

The trail is situated in the Groenkop Indigenous Forest, near George.

DESCRIPTION

From George, take the turn-off to Saasveld. The walk start and end at the Groeneweide picnic site.Three routes have been laid out and colour coated with Red, Blue and Green.On the Red walk, you will encounter a big Yellowwood tree ( Podocarpus Falcatus )

CLIMATE AND GEOLOGY

The area receives rain throughout the year, mostly falling from September to April.Average annual relative humidity is 88%Daily temperatures range from 23.8*C in February to 18.2*C in August.Dry warm bergwinds often come from the north during winter.

FLORA

The indigenous forests of the Southern Cape are the largest complex of natural, closed canopy forest in the Southern African region. Canopy height peaks at about 27 metres. In total there are 470 forest species, of these 87 are tree species. Some trees along the route are labelled. Species that you will encounter include: Ironwood, Yellowwood, Stinkwood, White Pear, Cherrywood and Cape Beech.

FAUNA

Approximately 35 to 40 species of the so-called typical forest birds are found here. Bird species include: Knysna Lourie, Narina Trogon, Olive Thrush, Chorister-, Cape-, & Starred Robins.Various species of reptiles occur in the forests. Snakes like the poisonous Boomslang occur but are seldom seen.

CONDITIONS OF ENTRY

# Entry by permit only

# Visitor hours: 06:00 – 18:00

# Protect fauna & flora

# Guard against all risk of fire

# Prevent pollution

# No pets or firearms

# Take only memories and photographs, leave only footprints

# Obey all route markers and signs

PERSONAL SAFETY

# Follow clear trails only

Farleigh Indigenous Forest

Tel: 044 356 9021

Fax: 044 356 9028