Cornelius (Tinus) Rudolph and Mavis Mkokeli of Kouga Municipality and André Adendorff and Suritha Kampman of Woodlands Dairy at the landfill site to plant trees.

BASED in Humandsdorp, Woodlands Dairy is a leader in sustainability with a strong sense of responsibility to the region and its social and natural environment. “We’re dedicated to enhancing our environment sustainably and planting trees is a powerful way to do that,” says André Adendorff, sustainability manager at Woodlands Dairy.

“In 2019, we planted 100 Cape Ash trees, and we’ve since expanded our efforts to public and municipal spaces, including nearly 300 trees along the R330 entering Humansdorp. These initiatives aim to beautify our region, promote carbon sequestration, reduce erosion, improve soil quality, and boost biodiversity,” he says.

The environmental team at Kouga Municipality, including the town engineer, plays a key role in selecting suitable planting areas, considering factors like underground infrastructure. Adendorff notes, “We choose locations where trees will enhance the area’s aesthetics, improve biodiversity, and crucially, avoid disrupting infrastructure or services as identified by the municipality.”

Marco Engelbrecht, Kouga environmental management officer, adds: “In the past, the municipality has partnered with Woodlands Dairy to jointly plant trees during Arbour Week, for example, the planting of screening trees at the landfill site last year and street trees along the R330. As part of our greening plan, the municipality strives to plant 2,000 trees every quarter. Collaborating with Woodlands Dairy to plant a tiny forest at the landfill site entrance was too good an opportunity to pass up. This type of project is also very unique and the first of its kind in Kouga. Kouga executive mayor, Hattingh Bornman, is in support of this collaboration.”

He says that this project follows the Miyawaki afforestation method, which is designed to create forests in a short amount of time. “It’s based on natural reforestation principles using indigenous plants to stimulate growth. Trees planted in this method were found to grow faster, capturing more carbon and improving soil faster than using traditional methods. It promotes higher biodiversity and has proven to be ideal to create forest ecosystems quickly.”

Engelbrecht explains that they want to plant a tiny forest at the landfill site. “Not only will it beautify the landfill site entrance, but also contribute to increasing the local biodiversity by providing a habitat for various species.”

Adendorff says that they learned about the greening plan through regular meetings with the municipality. “We viewed it as a perfect opportunity to participate. The Humansdorp landfill site was identified as a key area, as these locations are often unsightly and neglected in urban improvement efforts. Enhancing this space will greatly improve the aesthetics of our town.”

“Our priority is always to plant indigenous trees, as they are better suited to the local environment and climate, while also boosting biodiversity and promoting native species in urban areas. Using the Miyawaki method, we selected and planted a variety of trees and plants close together to create a mini forest. These plants will grow to different heights, forming a canopy layer, an understory, shrubs, and ground cover. We’ve planted Cape Ash, Yellowwood, Milkwood, Cape Laurel, False Olive, Ironwood, Cape Honeysuckle, Spekboom, and Calla Lily — all indigenous species with characteristics that will contribute to the envisioned mini forest garden,” Adendorff adds.

Woodlands Dairy is dedicated to minimising its ecological impact by adopting a range of sustainable practices. These include the strategic use of renewable energy sources like solar photovoltaics, biogas, and biomass for generating electricity and steam to power its operations. “Beyond transitioning from carbon-intensive energy sources, we’re actively offsetting emissions through carbon reduction initiatives. Planting trees is a natural choice, as they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen through photosynthesis. We’re committed to continuing our efforts to plant more trees, enhancing the greenery of public spaces for the community and restoring natural areas to reestablish habitats for birds, amphibians, insects, and other wildlife.”

South Africa celebrates Arbour Week in the first week of September.