Over the past two decades, we have cleared invasive alien trees across the greenbelt. These invasive trees, especially Acacia cyclops (Rooikrans) and Port Jacksons (Acacia saligna) are a constant threat. They overrun the indigenous vegetation, outcompeting the threatened fynbos. They also change the soil structure over time. And they consume hundreds of litres of water every day – at a time when we need to care for this finite resource.

To deal with these invasive trees, we have received considerable support from the Overstrand Municipality and others, especially around Brekfis Bay and the greenbelts. Invasive alien clearing also continues in Vermont, in the greenbelts and in the region bordering on the Whale Coast Nature Reserve.

As part of our ongoing efforts to remove invasives, the VCFSA has cut down and hauled up the steep sand dunes, many Rooikrans alien trees at Brekfis Bay. These were then loaded onto trucks and removed. After a few months there is a noticeable regrowth of indigenous plants such as Bietou in the cleared areas.

Kikuyu grass is listed as NEMBA Category 1b which must be controlled by the property owner, is encroaching on the coastal paths and next to the greenbelts. Alien grasses out-compete indigenous annuals and bulb species that make up an important part of species diversity in renosterveld and fynbos areas. An awareness campaign followed by verbal and written notices, will soon be delivered to affected property owners, followed by fines if unresolved. Contact us or Overstrand Municipality for assistance and guidance.

In order to address these threats, we arrange regular hacking outings – bringing our Vermont residents together during fun morning outings, removing invasive trees. For more information on our next hacking outing, be sure to keep an eye on our Facebook page.

Visitors to Vermont are very welcome to enjoy our 2.2kms of coastal paths from Sandbaai to the Whale Coast Nature Reserve and the Vermont Salt pan walk, where we invite you to relax and enjoy the special natural surroundings and ambience of Vermont.

These paths and walks have been maintained and renovated over the years, driven by the Vermont Conservation Foundation (SA), in partnership with the Overstrand Municipality and the Vermont Ratepayers and Environment Association. The boardwalk at Brekfis Bay, Hes se Gang and Geelvink Close – part of the Vermont coastal path system –was renovated some years ago, with funding support from the municipality and teams employed via inter alia the Working for the Coast programme.

The goal is now to extend the path down through the dunes, to link up with the concrete path at the coast that leads to the Onrus coastal area. Because the Vermont coastal path is so popular, it was upgraded with a hard surface of concrete and boardwalks to prevent it being eroded by the high number of walkers, and by water and wind. We continue to maintain these paths today, to provide access to bring our residents and tourists closer to nature.

Overstrand Municipality EMS department in June 2024 replaced the damaged walkways below Bitou Street on the coastal path, that were damaged during the terrible September 2023 level 9 storm. This is a collaboration involving the Vermont Coastal Path Committee and Vermont Ratepayers and Environment Association.

As the VCFSA, we work with our Vermont residents and the Overstrand Municipality to address illegal encroachment. While the Overstrand Municipality issues an encroachment permit in some instances, it is illegal for private properties to encroach into green spaces such as coastal reserves. Should this happen, the municipality has the right to issue encroachment notices to residents, to restore or rehabilitate the area. By working closely with Vermont residents, we can provide advice to avoid illegal encroachment, and can support steps to address these encroachments should they take place.