Khoi First Nations Forest
Preserving the traditions of the Khoi tribe.
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Trees
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Square Meters
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Native Species
Khoi First Nations Forest is a collaboration with the First Nations people, indigenous South African community. Planting a forest has reconnected community members with native tree species from the neighboring Table Mountain.
This forest is a local landmark and serves the broader community by educating visitors on endemic tree species, biodiversity, and the benefits of rewilding urban spaces in South Africa, where land remains a highly contested and complex issue.
Forest Maker
Aghmad Gamieldien
Forest Partner
Forest Report: 2023
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Forest Age
Biodiversity Notes
Forest Report: 2022
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Forest Age
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Survival Rate
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Average of Tallest 3 Trees
At 6 months, this young pocket forest is making great progress. Growth is steady and the forest is certainly benefitting from regular watering, particularly as it enters summer in South Africa. The Cape Holly (Ilex mitis) is the tallest species currently at 197cm. This specimen has a girth of 3.2cm at the base. Some of the sand olive (Dodonaea viscosa) trees are already flowering too.
Biodiversity Notes
The forest is buzzing with activity; it is adjacent to over ten Western Cape Honey Bee hives (Apis mellifera capensis Escholtz). The bees are moving through parts of the forest on a daily basis. Numerous unidentified insects, aphids and ants are inhabiting the forest, including the Cape lappet hairy worm (Eutricha capensis). Various birds have been observed, including Guinea Fowl (species unidentified) and the Cape white-eye (Zosterops virens capensis). Lastly, a black and orange butterfly, thought to be an African monarch (Danaus chrysippus), has also been seen in this pocket forest.
Planting: May 2022
Why the Khoi First Nations Forest?
The Goringhaikona kraal (a traditional, circular enclosure and settlement) at the Oude Molen Eco-Village is a cultural and heritage site where this first nations tribe uphold their practices. It is the last remaining Khoi kraal in Cape Town and Khoi First Nations Forest is located adjacent to it. Indeed, the forest has a circular design, mirroring the shape of the kraal.
The forest contributes to the overall physical and mental wellbeing of the tribe. It also helps to preserve vital traditions and ensure indigenous knowledge is celebrated well into the future.
