Revive Knysna - For The Love Of Trees

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Subject: Revive Knysna - For The Love Of Trees

Paul Bruins is an extraordinarily passionate and energetic individual.

A former software developer for the construction industry in Cape Town, his mission these days is to help develop a greater public appreciation of the Knysna forest and incentivise individuals to plant more trees. He believes that “Every home should have a tree” and has devised an innovative (and generous) project to help Knysna residents enhance & enrich their surroundings.

Until the end of this month (November) he is offering to reimburse any household who buys and plants a tree at their home. The only proviso is that it must be an indigenous species:

“All people have to do is keep the receipts for the trees and any costs associated with the planting then forward them to me”,

he explained. (Paul recommends purchasing the trees from Diepwalle Indigenous Plant Nursery as they stock a range of indigenous trees at a reasonable price.)

Paul is a Bibby’s Hoek resident and walks in the adjoining forest at least three times a week. He retired from his stressful job in 2018 after suffering serious health issues and moved to Knysna. Since then his health has improved, allowing him to immerse himself in the love of his life – photography. He has already self-published two beautiful, limited edition books that not only feature a huge variety of trees but also the colourful fungi and mushrooms that grow on and around them. The first was entitled ‘Magical Knysna Forests’ and the second ‘More Magical Knysna Forests’. Neither editions were produced for profit, they have all been sold at cost price.

Paul is now hoping to produce a third book, in collaboration with SanParks, that will focus on the many forest trails in the area. He hopes that this will help more local people to appreciate Knysna’s unique surroundings.

“Most people I meet when walking in the forest are tourists”, he told us. “And that’s a real shame”.

An enthusiastic supporter of Revive Knysna and Pledge Nature Reserve, Paul has been amongst the many local residents and businesses who have sponsored tree-planting projects around the town (see separate article).

He is also offering to allow Knysna-based companies to use his photographs royalty-free for publicity or decorative purposes.

“I look on my involvement with tree-planting as a legacy project”, he added. “As I have no children, I can’t think of a better way to leave something life-enhancing for future generations”.

Neither can we, Paul!

If you would like to take Paul up on his offer of paying for a tree at your home, please email him (soon!) panoramapaul@gmail.com

And if you'd like to buy a copy of Paul's book, go to the Knysna Book Shop & Exchange, in the Demar centre on Main Road.

The first & second phases of an ambitious tree-planting project are now complete with magnificent avenues now enhancing our town.

No fewer than 46 yellowoods line the grass verge beside the railway line off Waterfront Drive with a further 20 wild plum trees flanking the Lagoon Edge Walkway from Tate Marine to Costa Sarda. All the work was undertaken by our full-time gardeners & a large group of our regular volunteers.

As part of Revive Knysna’s ‘Plant a Tree, Leave a Legacy’ campaign the project has been spearheaded by community activist & charity fundraiser Ilse van Staden who inspired local residents & businesses not only to purchase the trees but also add individual plaques. Many are dedicated to loved ones, others bear inspiring messages that provide a personal connection to something enduring.

“This is more than just a green initiative”, said Ilse. “It’s a symbol of hope, beauty & sustainability, creating a welcoming & authentic Knysna gateway for generations to come”.

In addition to providing shade, shelter & habitat for birdlife, these avenues create a welcoming & authentic gateway to Knysna.

A smaller plantation of six trees, donated by Diepwalle Forest Nursery, has been added at the junction of George Rex Drive & Vigilance Drive as an acknowledgement of the support of local businesspeople & community members.

Fundraiser goes with a swing

Sunday 16th November saw the fourth successive Revive Knysna golf day at Knysna Golf Club. The carnival atmosphere had a distinctive Christmassy feel, as 108 players in teams of four teed-off in sunshine & gusty winds.

This event grows bigger & better every year. With a colourful array of fantastic prizes, complimentary food, drinks & live entertainment, it’s not surprising that it’s always over-subscribed.

More than 100 local businesses sponsored the event, many of them ‘setting up stall’ to offer refreshments around the course. In addition to the usual raffles, there were auctions – including one for a luxury safari & another for a beautiful gold necklace which gave a huge boost to the day’s takings.

The Revive Knysna team worked tirelessly throughout the day to make everyone feel welcome & appreciated, as did the staff & management of Knysna GC. We are eternally grateful to all our generous sponsors & to everyone who took part.

Without your support we wouldn’t be able to continue our planting & maintenance

Revive Knysna are bringing back the Pavement Proud movement — and this time, the spotlight is on YOU!

Every little effort makes a big difference.

And when you do?

The Pavement Proud Rosette could be pinned on YOU - a symbol of your love and care for Knysna and its people.

Whether you’re a business owner or a resident, it’s time to do your bit to keep our beautiful town clean, green, and full of pride.

Give your facade a fresh coat of paint
Plant a few cheerful flowers
Add pots to your storefront or pavement
Spruce up the sidewalk garden
Refresh that old signage
Sweep your pavement or wash it down

Know a spot that’s looking fabulous and deserves recognition?

Tag it, DM us, or send an email: reviveknysna@icloud.com - we want to celebrate those going the extra mile!

Let’s revive our town, one proud pavement at a time

To volunteer contact: reviveknysna@icloud.com

If you know of someone who would like to keep up to date with all our projects, or are willing to donate to our cause or even volunteer, ask them to visit our website at: www.reviveknysna.co.za

Do you know of a LOCAL HERO who is assisting to beautify Knysna One Project at a Time? Tell us about them by clicking the NOMINATE button below

Nominate a LOCAL HERO here

Thank you for joining our community of empowered, inspired & informed citizens.

Whether you donate to our cause, read our informative newsletter or support us on social media. Every action helps us push the wheel forward. 💚

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Subject: Revive Knysna - For The Love Of Trees