Wits students witness controlled grassland burn at Melville Koppies

It may seem like a contradiction, but to conserve grasslands, they need to be burned regularly. Without this, grasslands become moribund and unhealthy, and eventually trees begin to take over.

This was the key lesson for about 30 Wits University environmental science students who recently visited Melville Koppies.

The Melville Koppies conservation team had carefully prepared a section of grassland by creating firebreaks around it two months earlier. By the time of the visit, the firebreaks were already sprouting green shoots and dotted with spring flowers.

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Before the controlled burn, students measured elements that influence how a fire behaves: temperature, wind speed and direction, relative humidity, and grass load. They then watched as the skilled conservation team demonstrated two types of burns.

The first, a slow burn against the wind, was steady and controlled. The second, lit with the wind behind it, roared to life and sent the students scampering up the hill to safety. While the measuring and preparation took hours, the actual burn lasted just five minutes.

Visitors to Melville Koppies can see first-hand how burnt grassland recovers and thrives. The reserve is open every Sunday morning from 08:00 to 11:30.

Storytelling sessions take place on the second Sunday of each month, while the 8km guided hike is held on the last Sunday of the month. Guided tours are also available for those wanting to learn more about the site’s rich history.

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Entry is R100 per adult, R50 for under-18s, and free for children under five.

Visitors are advised to park securely at Marks Park on Judith Road. For more information, contact Melville Koppies via email at wendavid@mweb.co.za or call 079 532 0083 or 072 348 0578.