Lalibela expands by restoring farm land for wildlife

Lalibela Wildlife Reserve in South Africa’s Eastern Cape is undergoing significant expansion through land acquisitions and ecological restoration efforts. The initiative aims to rehabilitate former agricultural land, restoring natural ecosystems and creating a more balanced wildlife habitat.

The process includes clearing a former peach and prune farm where the removal of fruit trees and controlled burning is helping restore soil health. This method ensures the elimination of residual agricultural chemicals, preventing any impact on wildlife. Controlled burns also promote grassland regrowth, supporting a more sustainable grazing environment.

“The removed trees are burned and the ashes are worked back into the aerated soil, creating a…