From the ‘Watchers in the Woods’ to the many treasured memories that Tokai Forest and all her magic have been a part of, there are many reasons people are fighting for this special space in Cape Town.
Cape Town, South Africa (15 July 2024) — While Cape Town is home to a plethora of natural adventures that each have their own awe-striking characteristics, those looking to step into something from a story book might meet their dream adventure in the ‘Tokai Forest’.
A story of resilience all its own, Tokai Forest began as a plantation in the 1880s as a means to provide timber due to shortages in the region as Nicky Schmidt, the Chair of NPO Parkscape tells Good Things Guy.
Then, it acted as an experimental space, somewhere to see what would flourish and what wouldn’t. This part of the forest’s history can still be seen today at the Tokai Arboretum where various tree species live.
In 1997, then plantations like Tokai and Cecilia Forest were included as part of the Table Mountain National Park. This was not just because of natural value but also because of the recreational richness people in treeless areas like the Cape Flats could enjoy. However, in later years, when the Department of Forestry took the decision to exit forestry in the Western Cape, Tokai and Cecilia faced trouble when they were destined to be part of the exit.
“There was understandably, considerable public outcry and an extensive period of negotiation was entered into,” says Nicky. But in the end, the plantations would be retained on a ‘transitional basis’ of what would come to around 80 years of rotational plantation plantings.
“This ‘transitional’ plan would allow for both fynbos restoration and retention of plantation canopy for community wellbeing.”
Then 2015 came blazing, with fires destroying much of the upper Tokai plantation. It meant that Tokai and Cecilia were in the hot seat once more and at risk of being axed as part of another exit, but Parkscape called for an urgent interdict to prevent the felling of Lower Tokai.
“On behalf of the community, Parkscape successfully defended its case in both the High Court and the Supreme Court of Appeal, and Lower Tokai was saved from felling and has become an increasingly popular community space, visited and enjoyed by many,” Nicky says.
Today, what was saved stands as a beloved area known for its enchanting energy. It’s a place of childhood memories where many birthdays have been celebrated between the trees. And a place of rich love as the ideal spot for wedding photos. It’s also the creative’s thinking spot and muse with artistic themes taking place in the forest, from painted rock treasures to the present-day thrill—the ‘Watchers in the Woods’.
Sound meditations, soulful conversations, filmmakers, singers, cyclists, hikers and horse riders have all enjoyed the Tokai Forest in all its wonder. But what of its future?
Nicky tells Good Things Guy that its future hangs in the balance.
“For the past three and a half years there has been a public consultation process regarding the future of the Tokai and Cecilia areas of the Park. The contract for harvesting the remaining remnants of Tokai and Cecilia concludes at the end of this year.
“We have been negotiating since 2021 with SANParks to retain both areas, as they currently exist, in the interest of community health and well-being, and given the critical role both areas play as part of the City’s all-too-small urban forest.
“Both Tokai and Cecilia are not only critical to human health and well-being, but they also form part of the cultural landscape of the Constantia-Tokai Valley and are the last remaining pieces of the rich heritage of plantation forestry in the Valley.”
Nicky explains that the vision is to transition from a pine plantation to an urban forest of indigenous and non-invasive exotic trees.
It’s a battle between a sole focus on fynbos conservation and fynbos conservation in tandem with community wellbeing.
“Our ultimate intent is to ensure that SANParks allows for both fynbos restoration and shaded space for community benefit,” she adds.
You can keep up with the forest’s happenings and Parkscape here.
Sources: GTG Interview
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