Baviaanskloof (SA): Evidence of wetlands have been found in what is now regarded as the bone-dry Baviaanskloof. That was just one of the revelations from a multi-stakeholder field trip led by the PRESENCE network in western Baviaanskloof on the 4th and 5th November. The event brought together land owners, students, researchers and scientific experts and implementers in the field of wetland and river restoration.

Special thanks must go to visiting Wageningen University student Gloria De Paoli who assumed most of the responsibility in organising the workshop. “I think the field trip was a success” reflects Gloria. “Whilst things didn’t necessarily go as planned, the group was great and things then flowed by themselves. I was amazed how enthusiastic and interested participants were in going into the field and exploring the area. Everyone’s input was valuable – I hope it will lead to making [restoration] implementation happen.” Gloria is currently undertaking her internship and thesis research as part of the Dutch Ministry’s (LNV) Water for Food and Ecosystems programme and is facilitated by EarthCollective through the PRESENCE network. We also acknowledge the valuable input from Japie Buckle (Working for Wetlands, SANBI) whose discovery of the former large wetland (pictured) during the field trip led to the news being picked up by the South African national newspaper “Die Burger” (in Afrikaans).