Korsman Conservancy conducts controlled ecological burn

Korsman Conservancy in Westdene burnt four sections of grassveld around the bird sanctuary recently as part of their ongoing programme of controlled ecological burning for best practice in grassland management, according to conservancy chairperson Jane Trembath.

“We were six volunteers and helpers and a fire crew from Benoni Fire Department who attended the burn to monitor and stand by,” said Trembath.

“They also enjoyed being involved in our environmental conservation of Korsman.”

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“We also check for birds’ nests in the grass and cut a firebreak around if we find one,” she explained.

“In the past, we have relocated a snake and some spiders’ nests attached to grass stalks out of the burn area.

“I chose the day according to the weather forecast, which predicted the wind conditions would be ideal, and we were able to complete the entire burn.

“The benefits of burning are that dead, matted grass is removed which allows indigenous wildflowers to emerge in spring, and that grass growth is stimulated which provides more nutritious grazing and seeds for birdlife.

“In years past, spur-winged geese which gather here in autumn used to die of starvation as a result of the moribund grassland.

“Last year, after we covered the entire sanctuary, there were no deaths.

“We aim to cover the burn blocks in the sanctuary over a three-year rotation period.”