How to start a restoration project
1. Identify the Site
Visit the site and record current conditions (vegetation, water, erosion, invasive plants).
Check land ownership and permissions required.
Reach out to the local community and land managers.
Take baseline photos and note GPS coordinates.
2. Assess the Restoration Need
Describe what’s degrading (habitat loss, pollution, erosion).
Discover reasons (past land use, invasive species, dumping, sand mining).
Talk to ecologists or local experts if possible.
3. Set Clear Goals
Example goals include restoring indigenous plants, stopping erosion, improving water flow, removing invasive species, and supporting wildlife.
Make goals SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound).
4. Survey the Site
Note vegetation type, soil type, drainage, and water flow.
List existing indigenous plants and invasive species.
Record animal sightings.
Tools: Use mapping apps, a camera, a notebook, and field guides.
5. Write a Restoration Plan
Create a timeline with seasonal tasks.
Assign roles: who does what and when.
List materials needed and prepare a budget.
Include health and safety steps.
Visit the site and record current conditions (vegetation, water, erosion, invasive plants).
Check land ownership and permissions required.
Reach out to the local community and land managers.
Take baseline photos and note GPS coordinates.
2. Assess the Restoration Need
Describe what’s degrading (habitat loss, pollution, erosion).
Discover reasons (past land use, invasive species, dumping, sand mining).
Talk to ecologists or local experts if possible.
3. Set Clear Goals
Example goals include restoring indigenous plants, stopping erosion, improving water flow, removing invasive species, and supporting wildlife.
Make goals SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound).
4. Survey the Site
Note vegetation type, soil type, drainage, and water flow.
List existing indigenous plants and invasive species.
Record animal sightings.
Tools: Use mapping apps, a camera, a notebook, and field guides.
5. Write a Restoration Plan
Create a timeline with seasonal tasks.
Assign roles: who does what and when.
List materials needed and prepare a budget.
Include health and safety steps.
6. Secure Permissions and Partnerships
Apply for any required permits.
Talk with landowners or authorities.
Partner with local schools, NGOs, government bodies, civic groups.
7. Remove Invasive Species
List invasives to remove.
Choose removal methods (manual, mechanical, or approved herbicide).
Plan for disposal or reuse of plant material.
Decide which areas to clear first.
8. Prepare for Planting
Plant during the just before and during the wet season
Use mulch or other stabilisation methods where needed.
Arrange volunteers and assign tools.
9. Source Indigenous Plant Material
Gather local, site-appropriate plants or seeds.
Include pioneer species and long-term plants.
Record species, quantities, planting date, and location.
10. Plant the Site
Plant at the appropriate time for the region (early winter in the Western Cape).
Run planting days as community events.
Brief volunteers on proper planting and care practices.
11. Maintain and Monitor
Water, weed, and mulch regularly as needed.
Track plant survival and growth, using your baseline photos.
Monitor for invasive regrowth, litter, and other issues.
Keep a simple log of site visits and observations.
12. Share Progress
Update social media, newsletters, blogs.
Invite the community for site visits or walks.
Consider installing signage to highlight the project on-site.
13. Review and Learn
What worked well? What didn’t?
Gather feedback from volunteers and community members.
Use lessons learned to improve future projects.
Apply for any required permits.
Talk with landowners or authorities.
Partner with local schools, NGOs, government bodies, civic groups.
7. Remove Invasive Species
List invasives to remove.
Choose removal methods (manual, mechanical, or approved herbicide).
Plan for disposal or reuse of plant material.
Decide which areas to clear first.
8. Prepare for Planting
Plant during the just before and during the wet season
Use mulch or other stabilisation methods where needed.
Arrange volunteers and assign tools.
9. Source Indigenous Plant Material
Gather local, site-appropriate plants or seeds.
Include pioneer species and long-term plants.
Record species, quantities, planting date, and location.
10. Plant the Site
Plant at the appropriate time for the region (early winter in the Western Cape).
Run planting days as community events.
Brief volunteers on proper planting and care practices.
11. Maintain and Monitor
Water, weed, and mulch regularly as needed.
Track plant survival and growth, using your baseline photos.
Monitor for invasive regrowth, litter, and other issues.
Keep a simple log of site visits and observations.
12. Share Progress
Update social media, newsletters, blogs.
Invite the community for site visits or walks.
Consider installing signage to highlight the project on-site.
13. Review and Learn
What worked well? What didn’t?
Gather feedback from volunteers and community members.
Use lessons learned to improve future projects.
