Recovering, but not yet safe

The first few seasons after a veld fire bring most risk for the recovery process. Losing vegetation cover on the surface is one problem. The effects of losing the root network underground are increased when hungry animals wander around in search of a blade of green to eat or when people frequent the destabilised area. Big rains may take the topsoil away before new vegetation can appear. We should think of caring for burnt veld in similar fashion as we do about convalescing people or animals.

But hope springs eternal as Alexander Pope reminded us. So do the seeds in burnt veld. They will germinate after the rain. As long as we do not take this for granted! Our nature conservation measures are necessary, given our increasing impact.