Know, grow, protect and enjoy South Africa's indigenous plants
Location: Kogelberg, Western Cape, South Africa
Kogelberg Branch
About the branch
About the Area
The Kogelberg area is the most species-rich part of the Cape Floristic Region, arguably the most diverse of all the floral kingdoms on Earth, making this area the richest in terms of plant diversity in the world. The Kogelberg boasts seven different vegetation types to explore: Kogelberg Sandstone Fynbos, Hangklip Sand Fynbos, Cape Lowland Freshwater Wetlands, Cape Seashore Vegetation, Southern Afrotemperate Forest, Overberg Dune Strandveld, and Western Coastal Shale Band vegetation.
History and Archives of the
Kogelberg Branch’s Alien Hacking
The Betty’s Bay Hack Group was founded in 1963, and the first hack was instigated by Denys Heesom on February 3rd. The results of more than 60 years of hacking in the Kogelberg area are clear for all to see. That does not mean that we can stop as there will always be invasive alien species to remove.
The records that we have captured (below) were kept by the Silberbauer family, who have been members of the alien hacking community since its inception. Ed was Convener of the Group for 27 years – it is truly a tribute to them for all they have done in the Betty’s Bay area. The first alien hack report that we have on record derives from November 1969 (labelled number 82).
By November 1973, the hackers came under the aegis of The Betty’s Bay Wildflower Society and then later fell under the Kogelberg Branch of the Botanical Society of South Africa. We are still active and have recently (in 2024) performed our 723rd hack! There can be few greater rewards than looking out over pristine fynbos veld and knowing that the tradition started so long ago and is continued by so many people concerned with our environment and plant conservation efforts.
Our sincere appreciation to all involved!
Archives:
Book 1: Alien Hacking Archives (Pre-1981)
Book 2: Alien Hacking Archives (1981-1993)
Book 3: Alien Hacking Archives (1994-2002)
Book 4: Alien Hacking Archives (2003-2007)
Book 5: Alien Hacking Archives (2007-2013)
Book 6: Alien Hacking Archives (2013-2023)
Celebrations
Hacking Festival 1: 40 Years Celebration
Hacking Festival 2: 500th Hack Celebration
Hacking Festival: 50 Years Celebration
Cool Facts
1.
The 100 000ha Kogelberg Biosphere is part of UNESCO’s ‘Man and the Biosphere’ (MAB) programme, one of 701 Biosphere reserves in 124 countries that aim to develop a scientific basis for the improvement of the relationship between people and their environments.
2.
In order to inform and educate property owners and users in the area about the various vegetation types in the area and environmentally appropriate approaches to gardening, the branch published Your Place in the Kogelberg in 2015 – a 130-page full-colour book which has become a ‘must have’ among the Kogelberg’s inhabitants, with nearly 2000 copies sold to date.
3.
Betty’s Bay is home to the Harold Porter National Botanical Garden, a must-visit for any botanical explorers who find themselves in the Kogelberg region.
4.
The Kogelberg Branch are true experts on controlling alien vegetation; their well-supported hacking events began back in 1963!
Contact the Branch Chair
Latest National News
Contact your branch to network in the following areas:
Albany
Algoa
Cederberg
Free State
Garden Route
Gauteng
Kirstenbosch
Kogelberg
KZN Coastal
KZN Inland
Limpopo
Lowveld
Southern Overberg
Weskus
Winelands
Hours
Open Monday to Friday 10h00 to 14h00. Closed on weekends and public holidays.
December holidays: Office will be closed from the 25th December and reopen 1st working day of the new year
Contact Us
We are experiencing intermittent faults with our landlines. If you can't get through on our landline +27 (0) 21 797 2090 , please phone or send a message to our alternate WhatsApp number: +27 (0) 65 922 6163.