Friday Field Notes from Grootbos

Last week started with a visit from a real eco-warrior, the armoured dung beetle, spotted on the Grootbos Reserve! These tough little creatures might not be pretty, but they play a big role in nature. By burying animal droppings, they return nutrients to the soil, boost plant growth, and even help reduce greenhouse gases. Every creature counts!

And to end the week, a little gift from the fynbos... While our conservation team was out photographing plants for the new Grootbos Field Guide, they came across this winter gem: Gladiolus meridionalis, blooming bright pink in a patch of old fynbos. Some bulbs wait for fire - but not this one!