From 20–22 February, something powerful is happening in the Cederberg.
Love Our Trails has partnered with Sustainable Ceder and CapeNature to host a Cederberg Volunteer Weekend focused on auditing and repairing trails damaged by the devastating fires that swept through the region in December and January.
This is not just another event.
It is, quite possibly, the largest coordinated volunteer trail initiative the Cederberg has ever seen and without question the biggest Love Our Trails has ever organised.
If we love our trails, we have to show up for them.
Over 120 volunteers will descend on the mountains, working across 20 trails to assess damage, repair erosion, clear debris, and help prevent further damage with the winter rains.
The support has been incredible, from trail runners and hikers to conservationists and community members, people have selflessly stepped forward to give back and our bit to protect this wild space.
The fires may have scarred the mountains but they have also revealed the strength of the community that cares about them.
But This Is Bigger Than Trails
One of the most exciting and meaningful outcomes of this initiative has been the launch of a community-led cleanup campaign running alongside the volunteer weekend.
While volunteers work from Driehoek Guest Farm to restore trails, local communities in the heart of the Cederberg will be leading their own cleanups on the very same weekend.
Many of these communities receive little to no municipal services and support. Waste management is limited. Infrastructure support is scarce. And yet these communities sit at the gateway to some of the most visited and beautiful landscapes the Cederberg has to offer.
There is a leader in each community that has stepped forward to drive this with support from Sustainable Ceder, CapeNature, and Love Our Trails.
We are excited to have Langkloof, Eselbank, Martiensrust, Kleinvlei, Wittewater and Heuningvlei part of the Community-led cleanup campaign.
Building Pride, Ownership and Opportunity
The cleanup initiative aims to:
* Create awareness around waste and environmental responsibility
* Build pride and ownership within the communities
* Strengthen local leadership
* Connect tourism more meaningfully into these often-forgotten areas
The long-term vision, driven by Sustainable Ceder and supported by Love Our Trails, is to ensure that tourism in the Cederberg doesn’t just pass through but uplifts and includes the communities who call this place home.
Healthy trails bring visitors.
Visitors bring opportunity.
Opportunity must include community.
This weekend is about beginning that bridge.
Follow love our trails on social media to see the fun and incredible work over the weekend.
