FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

HOW CAN I VOLUNTEER?

We are always on the look out for Wild volunteers - to help us clear with chainsaws, pull-out small saplings, organise events and raise awareness. Email us on info@wildrestoration.org to find out more.

WHAT EQUIPMENT OR CLOTHING DO I NEED AS A VOLUNTEER?

When volunteering for clearing, you will need:

  • sturdy hiking boots, ideally steel toed safety boots

  • long pants, ideally safety trousers or gaiters

  • long sleeved top

  • cap or hat

  • sunblock

  • thick gloves

  • backpack or daypack

  • safety glasses

  • water, ideally separate hydration pack for easy access

  • charged phone

  • snacks

We can provide chainsaws and GPS watches if you do not have these.

We will also provide fuel and lubricant for the chainsaws

WILL I GET SOME TRAINING?

We can provide practical training on:

  • safe operation of a chainsaw

  • mountain safety

  • identification of key alien plants, including pine, black wattle, port jackson, long-leafed wattle

  • renosterveld and fynbos identification

IS IT SAFE?

There are some risks to any outdoor and physical activities, and to the operation of machinery. Training and safety inductions will help you to minimise these risks. Clearing will also work in a buddy system. Volunteers will be asked to sign indemnity forms.

WHAT IF I WANT TO PROPOSE A LOCATION FOR CLEARING AND RESTORATION?

Email us on info@wildrestoration.org if you have ideas on other sites for alien clearing and restoration.

WHY CLEAR ALIENS RATHER THAN PLANTING TREES? SHOULDN’T YOU BE PLANTING TREES RATHER THAN CLEARING THEM?


The Cape Floral Kingdom is one of 36 global biodiversity hotspots because of its high levels of biodiversity, endemism and threatened status. Alien trees encroach and threaten fynbos and renosterveld ecosystems, and draw heavily on scarce water resources.

To stem global biodiversity loss which in turn threatens the overall viability of nature and human systems, there is a global plan to protect 30% of land and sea by 2030 championed by the UN. Protection of fynbos and renosterveld needs to be accelerated to contribute to this overall global imperative.