Schotsche Kloof Forest
Reconnecting children to Nature.
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Trees
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Native Species
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Youth Impacted
Self sustaining pocket forest
Our tiniest pocket forest in Cape Town, is now reaching its self sustainability stage. Located in this historic Bo Kaap district, this forest calls Schotsche Kloof Primary School its home. It has transformed a disused, unloved plot into a haven for biodiversity in this Cape Town suburb.
The forest provides important educational - and pastoral - enrichment to the school community, to pupils and teachers alike, who are able to observe rewilding in progress and take joy from having their own forest a stone’s throw away from their classrooms.
However an unwanted invasive vine had crept into the forest. Despite the cute purple trumpet flowers, the morning glory/blue dawn flower (Ipomoea indica) started choking and wrapping itself around the native trees.
They were successfully removed, but monitoring of this invasive vine is still needed. The forest canopy has started to take shape, blocking out sunlight from reaching the forest floor. All the trees are growing in symbiosis creating a shaded area around the designated enclave in the forest. Making it a great place where students seek shade, observe and reflect on the growing biodiversity on this rewilded slope behind their school.
Forest Maker
Aghmad Gamieldien
Forest Partner
Ecosystem Restored
Final report: 17.06.2026
After approximately three years our SUGi Pocket Forests become self-sustaining. They no longer require human maintenance or watering, and can be handed over to Nature for biodiversity and complexity to naturally develop.
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People living within 300 meters
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kg of potential CO2 sequestration
Biodiversity
Biodiversity is all the different kinds of life you'll find in one area—the variety of animals, plants, fungi, and even microorganisms like bacteria that make up our natural world. Each of these species and organisms work together in ecosystems, like an intricate web, to maintain balance and support life.
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Potential number of mammals
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Potential number of amphibians
Forest Report: 2024
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Forest Age
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Average of Tallest 3 Trees
Overall the forest is persevering. The trees that died were replaced. Our interns assisted with weeding the forest. The school is relatively happy, just they need assistance with maintenance from time to time. The kids are still active with watering the forest. A different class from the school waters each week.
Biodiversity Notes:
Forest Report: 2023
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Average of Tallest 3 Trees
Each week, a different class has the opportunity to water the forest. The school takes pride in their forest and the children are very eager when it comes to their turn to water the forest. The forest is still young and the principal and teachers look forward to the cooling effects that the shade will bring as it grows.
Biodiversity Notes:
Planting: March 2023
“We are excited about rewilding an unused and degraded plot on the slopes of Signal Hill. It will be the first urban forest in the city of Cape Town.”
Aghmad Gamieldien, SUGi Forest Maker
Why Schotsche Kloof Forest?
The forest supplements the studies of pupils at a formative time in their educational lives. The aim is to cultivate a deep connection, appreciation and enthusiasm to Nature amongst these children, which they can take out into the world in the future.
