Conserving the Clanwilliam Cedar

The Clanwilliam Cedar is endemic to the Cederberg, yet is listed as critically endangered. Bushmans Kloof, in association with provincial conservation body CapeNature, hosts an annual Clanwilliam Cedar Tree Planting Event in an effort to conserve this majestic part of our natural heritage. The event takes place near the mountain village of Heuningvlei, and is hosted in partnership with local schools, the Wildflower Society, the local branch of the Botanical Society and the Cederberg Conservancy.

Widdringtonia cedarbergensis

The Clanwilliam Cedar is endemic to the mountains of the Cederberg, located 250 kilometres north of Cape Town. Thriving only in specific microclimates, it is one of 1000 surviving conifer species in the world, yet is facing extinction in the wild due to 20th-century logging, ongoing habitat loss, and climate change.

Through our annual tree-planting event, Bushmans Kloof has to date supported the planting of more than 800 cedar trees in wilderness areas surrounding the reserve.
This popular event includes the planting of cedar seeds that will be nurtured in the Bushmans Kloof nursery, as well as the planting of mature seedlings in the surrounding wilderness area.

Cedar Tree Planting Event at Heuningvlei

09h30-10h00
Refreshments on arrival at Heuningvlei.
The gate at the top of the Pakhuis Pass will be open from 08h30 in the morning.
Please note that only 4x4 vehicles with good ground clearance can safely navigate this road. All other vehicles should access Heuningvlei from the Wupperthal Road.

10h00-10h30
Welcome address by CapeNature. Planting of Cedar seeds by local school children, and ceremonial planting of trees in the Cedar grove.

10h30-13h00
Planting of mature seedlings in the Wilderness Area.

13h00-15h00
Lunch provided by Bushmans Kloof.

Please remember to bring along hand spades for the planting of small trees.

Get your hands dirty

Cedar Tree Planting Event at Heuningvlei

Should you wish to attend the annual Cedar Tree Planting Event, kindly contact Joanne Hayes on 083 627 7249 or tigerjo@iafrica.com.

Please note that numbers are limited, and only confirmed guests may attend.