BUSHBUCKRIDGE – Before the recent rain I visited Bushbuckridge Nature Reserve again, but this time to see the lower section. Although in the middle of a serious drought, it is a beautiful picture, with mountains on one side, and flat bushveld running into the Lowveld, on the other.
Although there is no fence at present, one can roughly make out the borders by comparing the landscape to a map. It was obvious that the land is respected as a reserve, because it was deserted, and there wasn’t much tree felling.
Cattle bells could be heard in background, which means the land is utilised for grazing.
A small dirt road winds through the reserve, making it easy to walk through. Most of the flat section was burnt, probably for grazing purposes. Because of the drought small herbaceous plants and flowers haven’t appeared yet.
Being pioneers with an opportunistic lifestyle, these usually respond quickly after fire or rain. There is a beautiful variety of trees, with kiaat (Pterocarpus angolensis) dominant on the flat areas.
Patches of young sickle bush points to mismanagement, due to regular burning and grazing. These small trees are common in the Lowveld, and usually grow on poor, compacted soil.
Botanically, this is Pretoriuskop sour bushveld, which transforms into Legogote sour bushveld on the slopes. There is no clear distinction, because the transformation is gradual. The latter vegetation type is actually regarded as endangered, because very little of it is officially protected.
The road crosses the two tributaries of the Saringwa, a small seasonal river, which runs through the Lowveld to meet the Sabie River much further down.
A pleasant surprise was a pair of martial eagles, flying and playing with each other, low over the foothills. It was 08:00, so one would expect their roost to be not far away!
Closer to the foothills the road enters a eucalyptus bush which is slowly invading parts of the reserve. To clear this will be a long-term project, and will also provide building material for many years! No invasion by more aggressive aliens like lantana was heart-warming, which points to good management in the past.
As the road start to climb up the mountain, the veld becomes a dense mature forest, which hasn’t burnt for many years.
The road is in excellent condition for a mountain road, because of little traffic and because it’s so narrow, being protected by the tree canopies. Plant diversity is high, ranging from dry forest on the northern slopes to wet mist-belt forest on the south.
After a four-hour walk, I am at the top of the reserve, with grand views over the Lowveld. New buildings are being erected here for the managing staff.
To enjoy the landscape and biodiversity, this reserve will be fantastic for walking safaris and open-vehicle drives. Introduction of larger game will need intensive veld management. May this reserve enrich the lives of its visitors and the community of Bushbuckridge.
