Help Save The Elephants' Home

We are happy to report back on our land restoration project at HERD Trust.

The land rehabilitation is going well on the reserve, and most of the projects are showing good progress. However, it is our dry season, so regrowth is hard to visualize. We are waiting for the rain to come in November and are preparing some areas for the coming wet season, so after the first rains, we will have some good images as to how the methods we have implemented have been effective.

RIPPING OF OPEN AREAS.

We are continuing to break up areas that are compacted and bare of vegetation, packing them with our own compost and branches to stabilize the ground for the coming rains. Breaking up the soil prevents the rain from running over the ground, which will penetrate the ground, cause regrowth in these areas, and stabilise the ground.

GULLIE PLUGS

As per all the above, we have lots of these in place and are waiting for the rains. These are made in eroded areas and small gullies to build up organic matter in these ditches, which will then build back up into erosion ditches and stabilise the soil.

BRUSHPACKING

This is a good example of how an area void of vegetation can be slowly rehabilitated. First, we dig up the compacted ground, then plant wild grass seeds, and finally, we place a layer of our very own elephant dung on top. Lastly, we pack the entire area with thorny branches to stop herbivores from eating the grass while it is establishing itself. Over time, the branches will decompose and create nutrition for the soil as well, and the grass will start to spread.

To all those who have donated to this vital project, thank you for helping the herd and other wildlife in this important way. Ensuring that their home can look after them now and long into the future is a vital part of our mission for the benefit of all the species sharing our home with us.

Warm wishes,

Adine and the HERD Team