Happy hackers

* Stellenbosch University honours students from the biology department, who joined The Friends of the Helderberg for a hack on Saturday May 14. Professor Sophie von der Heyden and 17 students joined the regular hack team. The focus of the hacks at the moment is the removal of new alien vegetation growing where the controlled burn was carried out last year at the Helderberg Nature Reserve. The area was scattered with protea seeds – and these plants as well as others from the existing seed bank are slowly getting established. The alien seedlings are, however, racing ahead to take over the area. The regular hacks attempt to control the alien plants, giving the fynbos the time and space to settle in. If you are interested in joining these monthly Saturday morning hacks, log on to the website or Facebook page for details, or contact James Silberbauer at jamessil@telkomsa.net