Clearing bush in urban plots and open spaces RI CH A R D C O WL IN G
W H AT DO E S IT M E A N F O R B IODI V ERS I TY ? There has in recent months been some lively debate on the pros and cons of clearing plots of indigenous thicket vegetation to reduce the risk of wildfires in the Greater St Francis region. While this practice may seem to be brutal for nature, this is not the case. In fact, clearing plots – and other open spaces with the urban footprint - of Blue Kunibush
(taaibos), Bastard Spikethorn and other pioneer thicket species - in addition to assisting with fire-proofing our villages, is essential for maintaining biodiversity. 53
