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Brackenridge Private residential Estate
Plettenberg bay, south africa
Alien Invasive Species (AIS)
What is AIS?
Alien invasive species (AIS) are plants introduced from other countries that aggressively invade and disrupt our local ecosystems. In fynbos areas, they outcompete indigenous species, alter soil chemistry, and interfere with natural processes like fire cycles and water flow.
AIS are classified under the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act (NEMBA) based on their environmental impact.
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Category & Description:
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1a: Must be eradicated. No planting, trading, or propagation allowed.
1b: Must be controlled and, where possible, removed and destroyed. No planting or trading allowed.
2: Invasive or potentially invasive. A permit is required for any restricted activity (e.g. planting or trading).
3: May remain in prescribed areas. No further planting, propagation, or trade allowed.
Invasive Species Identified on the Estate
The following species have been found on Brackenridge and require removal:
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Rooikrans (Acacia cyclops)
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Blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon)
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Black Wattle (Acacia mearnsii)
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Port Jackson (Acacia saligna)
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Pampas Grass (Cortaderia selloana)
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Bluegum (Eucalyptus spp.)
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Silky Needle Bush (Hakea sericea)
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Lantana (Lantana camara)
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Cluster Pine (Pinus pinaster)
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Monterey Pine (Pinus radiata)
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Bugweed (Solanum mauritianum)
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What has been done?
In February and April 2025, a professional AIS clearing team was contracted to remove invasive plants from five priority areas across the estate. Over two months, 17.4 hectares of greenbelt were cleared. Large trees that couldn’t be removed were ring-barked and poisoned to prevent regrowth.
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Current focus areas
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Klein Piesang River fence line
Our maintenance team is actively clearing the outer fence line along the Klein Piesang River, which is heavily infested with:
• Black Wattle (Acacia mearnsii)
• Pine (Pinus spp.)
• Blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon)
• Pampas Grass (Cortaderia selloana)
• Lantana (Lantana camara)
This area is a priority not only due to the density of AIS, but also to:
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Improve access for security patrols
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Remove overhanging branches that could allow baboons to enter the estate.
BEFORE
AFTER
Flood plain wetland
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Wetlands play a vital role in the health of our estate’s ecosystem. They naturally filter water, regulate flow, support biodiversity, and serve as ecological corridors, providing ‘stepping stones’ for many species to move safely across the landscape.
The wetland behind Barringtons is currently compromised by invasive alien species (IAS), including Black Wattle, Port Jackson (Acacia saligna), Rooikrans (Acacia cyclops), Pampas Grass, and Lantana. These aggressive plants have disrupted the wetland’s ability to function properly, leading to habitat loss and persistent waterlogging in the area. Removing these IAS is the first step toward restoring the wetland’s natural balance.
Rehabilitation will not only improve drainage and water quality but also revive a critical habitat for indigenous fauna and flora, enhancing the estate’s ecological resilience and long-term sustainability.
BEFORE
AFTER
Long-term plan
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Our goal for 2026 and 2027 is to complete the removal of invasive alien species (IAS) from the remaining two-thirds of the greenbelt; approximately 20 hectares each year. This will mark a major milestone in restoring the estate’s natural biodiversity and improving water flow and soil health.
Once the initial clearing is done, we’ll continue with regular follow-ups to monitor regrowth and manage any re-emergence in previously cleared or burnt areas. This ongoing stewardship is essential to ensure the long-term success of our restoration efforts.
How to remove AIS
Interested in learning more about IAS removal techniques? Click HERE to view a helpful guide on methods for removing AIS. This resource outlines practical approaches for residents and contractors, including mechanical, chemical, and biological control methods, tailored to the types of species found on the estate
DOWNLOAD OUR HELPFUL GUIDE ON REMOVING AIS
DOWNLOAD NEMBA'S LIST OF INVASIVE PLANT SPECIES
