Grootvadersbosch Conservancy is a Non-Profit Trust, promoting conservation on private land in the Grootvadersbosch Valley, between Heidelberg and Suurbraak in the Western Cape. Healthy forests are the foundation of healthy water, wildlife, and communities. In the mountains above Barrydale, indigenous forests and fynbos form part of the globally significant Cape Floral Region.

These ecosystems store water, protect soil, and feed rivers like the Huis River, home to the critically endangered Tradouw Redfin, one of South Africa’s rarest freshwater fish. The Huis River makes its way through Barrydale, and the bottom of the Magpie garden. Invasive alien trees and plants, including Spanish Reed, place increasing strain on these fragile landscapes.

In ‘Spaanseriet Tree’ Magpie partners with Grootvadersbosch Conservancy, to high-light the close relationships between endemic species and so called aliens in our waterways. Our Tree is both a symbol and a solution: material removed from the landscape, transformed into a reminder of renewal. Reed mats hug an existing dead tree.

The Tree glows - illuminated by LED spots with found glass scrims, in the space between this second Reed mat skin and the tree itself. A shoal of Redfin, in collected PET, swims under the Tree branches. It celebrates our joint efforts in caring for our natural environment.

The Grootvadersbosch Conservancy restores forest and mountain catchments by clearing invasive species, strengthening natural water systems, and creating local employment through conservation action. Your support helps restore these living landscapes, from forest to river!