Did you know that many of South Africa’s timber plantations are open to the public to enjoy a variety of recreational pursuits? Both indigenous forests and timber plantations are natural resources that everyone can enjoy.
You might be an outdoor enthusiast wanting to test your endurance along the hundreds of kilometres of mountain bike tracks, trail running routes and hiking trails, or perhaps a nature lover or budding ornithologist. You can take in the array of wildlife and natural features like South Africa’s significant waterfalls and nature reserves found within the mosaic of indigenous forests and timber plantations.
Add these to your summer holiday bucket list by clicking on the interactive map. There are various attractions, trails, routes, drives, walks, picnic sites and accommodation waiting to be discovered South Africa’s forestry-owned land.
LINK: https://www.forestrysouthafrica.co.za/human-aspects/recreation-in-forestry/
Fact: The trees grown in timber plantations are planted for use in pulp, paper, packaging, sawn timber, poles and furniture. They are a renewable resource; this means that they are planted, responsibly grown and managed over a number of years, then harvested once they are mature. Only 10% of the total plantation area is harvested in one year. The compartments are then planted with new saplings within the same year.
These trees also absorb carbon dioxide, and release oxygen. So take a deep breath when you are among the trees.