Owned by Heineken Beverages, Nederburg has created its own closed-loop vineyard and irrigation water supply, reducing its reliance on the municipal water grid. The result has been an annual saving of 45 000 cubic metres of water, higher grape yields and improved fruit quality. The trademarked technology used by Nederburg is an essential tool in meeting the goal of achieving carbon neutrality. Essentially, the biological wastewater treatment involves a release of 43 specifical

In the face of extreme weather events, including drought and floods, safeguarding water is critical, and the Borehole Water Association (BWA) says the drilling of boreholes and responsible use of groundwater are an essential part of alleviating South Africa’s water crisis. Illegally tapping into municipal water supplies puts additional pressure on already strained systems, and accessing water via properly constructed boreholes means that communities have a safe and sustainabl

Garden Town Stellenbosch this year featured the expanded garden show and market, a highlight of the botanical celebration. It offered a selection of plants, garden treasures, décor and workshops. Over 60 stalls offered a wide selection of indoor and outdoor plants, rare and indigenous plant species, botanical crafts and artisanal food products. Award-winning display gardens by Life Green Group and Alan Dawson Gardens were showcased. The event also offered guided walks and exp

Every spring and summer, Simbithi Eco-Estate in KZN is treated to a vibrant return of familiar migratory birds. Among them are the European Honey Buzzard, African Paradise Flycatcher, various cuckoos such as the Diederik and Klaas’s, and the Yellow-billed Kite. The estate’s wetlands also host swallows, swifts and starlings. While Simbithi’s forests remain productive throughout the year, its dams and wetlands come alive in the warmer months. As soon as the rains arrive, the bi

Researchers from Walter Sisulu University have discovered that adding green Rooibos extract to tilapia feed significantly improves fish growth rates and feed efficiency. Led by Prof Grace Okuthe, senior researcher at Walter Sisulu University, the trial compared commercial fish feed against feed enhanced with either fermented Rooibos (the familiar red variety) or unfermented green Rooibos extract. The results were clear: tilapia fed green Rooibos grew about 2.83% faster and co

Brahman Hills: The Making of a World Class Garden  is a new coffee table book that describes  the transformation of a derelict roadside motel into a five-star destination and Royal Horticultural Society partner garden. Authored by Iain Buchan, Michele Magwood and Tim Steyn, with photography by Connall Oosterbroek, the book explains how a whole team turned crisis into creation during the Covid -19 lockdown.  The book documents the journey of a forgotten piece of land into one

The GBCSA (Green Building Council South Africa) has launched the 4 th  edition of the internationally acclaimed research study Green Building in South Africa: A guide to Costs and   Trends.  Along with a strong business case for building green, the report shows that in the maturing green industry, green building certification is good for business as well as for people and the planet. Since 2014, the GBCSA has partnered with the Association of Quantity Surveyors and the Depart

Maritzburg College was the winner of this year’s Husqvarna Schools Forest Rehabilitation Challenge at Ferncliffe Forest, competing against three other KZN schools. The event focussed on teamwork and caring for nature, as learners dug holes to plant trees in the forest. The college won a Husqvarna pressure washer, and all the schools received prizes, certificates and vouchers to redeem at Husqvarna’s online store.  Held during Arbour Week, the challenge teaches young people to

Every year, the Namaqualand wildflowers transform the arid coast into a living tapestry, with endemic species bursting into colour across one of the most diverse floral regions on Earth. At the Namaqua Flower Beach Camp, the flowers’ existence hinges on clean water, undisturbed soil and unspoiled pollinator pathways. Operating for only four weeks each spring when Namaqualand blooms, this camp is an exercise in environmental stewardship and low-impact travel. Now in its second