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On my recent trip into the Eastern Cape I was fortunate to stay a few days in the Groendal Wilderness area. And yes, if you are saying "which wilderness area" you will be forgiven as this seems to be the best kept secret in the Eastern Cape. Situated within a few minutes of Uitenhage and within half an hour of Port Elizabeth, Groendal offers an ideal escape from the city.

Situated on the extremity of the Fynbos Biome, Groendal is a transitional area comprising several vegetation types. Grassy Fynbos covers some 65% of the total area which is interspersed with Afromontane Forest and Valley Bushveld. Four of the five major eastern Cape vegetation types are recorded in Groendal. The large area of Grassy Fynbos means that there is plenty to do as far as a Protea Atlasser is concerned! And don't palm this area off as an area that lacks the diversity of the Western Cape. Currently there are some * species of proteas recorded from the area, but there are plenty of herbarium records to follow up as well as a few possible range extensions.

Facilities offered on the reserve include two marked trails and three unmarked routes. These include not only the Fynbos areas but also some magnificent kloofs. For those of you living in the area, a Friends Group is currently been established. This group intends to become very involved in the area and will run many activities associated with Groendal. These will obviously include Protea Atlassing!

So for an opportunity, not only to meet and work with other atlassers on collecting protea data, but also to become involved in "The wilderness on your DOORSTEP" - contact Quintus Hendriks on 041 - 9925418.

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