Signs of life amongst charcoal - 06:28 am

04 May 2009

I met Paul and Sakhile first thing this morning and we immediately headed up onto Devil’s Peak - the massive sandstone form which flanks Table Mountain’s east side. It was heavily burnt four weeks ago and we wished to see the extent of this.


We traipsed in under the alien pines which sat on the boundary of the fire edge above Rhodes Memorial. These trees are slowly being removed in a bid to protect fynbos and water supplies but their angular shapes are quite pleasing against the drama of the mountains - particularly now that much of the fynbos has been charred.

This area is one of the prominent patches of silver trees - a fantastic large species of the leucodendron family which shimmers as the hairy leaves catch the light.

These mountains are the only place in the world where we can see these trees and while many have been charred by the fire there are loads of small ones springing up. This patch has not been the worst hit by the fire - although it is a species that relies on fire to trigger the release of seeds.

Heading further along the mountain, the extent of the damage is quite something. Virtually the entire peak is charred and desolate looking. But there’s plenty emerging. Rain fell last week and growth is rapid. Brackens and small bulbs are already pushing above the ashy soil. It’s really quite something.

There are a number of protected groves where forest species push through. There are a few alien species amongst the indiginous ones but they offer welcome shade to us.
We plan to have a look at the other side of the mountain this evening to see what the full extent is.

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