Wolwedans Dam Hiking Trail and Alien Clearing

From October through December 2024, the Great Brak River Conservancy will be taking on the immense project to remove alien vegetation from around the Wolwedans dam trial and river with a specific focus on pampas, black wattle, blackwood and gum.

The Wolwedans Dam trail is a well-known hiking trail, popular amongst residents and visitors in the region. The Wolwedans Dam hiking trail is an easy 3,2km each way. The path follows the water furrow, which dates from 1874 which originally brought water to the village of Great Brak River, until it crosses the river via a cement block. The trail then makes its way in and out of the river Bed and along the banks until you reach the Wolwedans Dam wall.

Since 2019, our Friends at the Great Brak River Conservancy have worked to clear alien and invasive vegetation in the area. These efforts have uncovered Yellowwood trees dating back roughly 400 years. With the help of the Friends of the Biosphere and our amazing Heroes, Great Brak River Conservancy hopes to further revitalise this trail and allow more indigenous plants and trees to flourish.

We look forward to seeing the results from their efforts, and the continued revival of indigenous biodiversity in the area.

Project Update – January 2025

The Great Brak River Conservancy has made significant progress on the removal of alien vegetation along the Wolwedans Dam trail. Since starting the project in October 2024, the team has already ring-barked several invasive and alien species, focusing on pampas, black wattle, blackwood, and gum. The work around the trail has been highly successful thus far, improving the area for hikers and visitors while paving the way for a better experience along this popular 3.2km trail. This ongoing project is revitalising the natural environment, allowing indigenous plants and trees to flourish and enhancing the area’s biodiversity. We look forward to seeing the positive impact of these efforts in the coming months.


Organiser: Great Brak River Conservancy

Project Category: Environmental Rehabilitation

Project year: 2024

Municipality: Mossel Bay

Small Grant Awarded: R15,000