With soil-stained hands community members gathered on Friday, 21 November, to transform a green space in LeMorne Street into a symbol of environmental renewal with a tree-planting ceremony.
For Ward 8 Councillor Gustav Rautenbach, the tree-planting ceremony was the continuation of a 17-year passion that has already seen over 2,000 trees planted throughout the suburb since 2008.
“We are here today alongside the stream at LeMorne Street,” explained Rautenbach, gesturing towards the planned route extending to Circular Drive. “The trees will be planted on both sides of the stream, running all the way through to Circular Drive. This is the first phase of the 50 trees we are planning to plant.”
All indigenous trees, such as White Ironwood, White Plum and Wisteria Hysteria, will provide shade and joy for generations to come.
“In 2008, due to the extensive townhouse development, many trees disappeared because they were on private land,” Rautenbach shared. “These included blue gum trees and pine trees that were highly valued,” he reflected.
But the tree-planting initiative is about more than just replacing what was lost during urban development.
“Lorraine has always been known as a leafy suburb, and I have made it my passion to bring the trees back to the area because they beautify the area. And trees are a vital sign of life,” Rautenbach explained.
The environmental benefits extend far beyond aesthetics. With the area’s high water table, these indigenous trees serve a crucial ecological function whilst simultaneously restoring the wildlife corridors that once made Lorraine special.
“The trees bring back our wildlife such as otters and birds,” Rautenbach continued. “You’ll notice these days there are many guinea fowl running around here, and that’s what Lorraine was known for. It simply brings something special to a community.”
Peter Graham, Chairman of the Lorraine Neighbourhood Watch, brought a refreshingly honest perspective to the morning’s activities.
Despite admitting he has “absolutely no green fingers,” Graham found himself wielding a spade with enthusiasm.
“We are here on behalf of Lorraine Neighbourhood Watch, supporting our Ward Councillor and his tree planting ceremony,” Graham explained. “And my team are the ones who look after the neighbourhood at night and keep our crime as low as possible. And we are very proud to say that Lorraine’s crime is the lowest in the metro.”
The connection between community safety and environmental stewardship wasn’t lost on Graham, who works hand-in-hand with the Walmer police also present at the ceremony.
“I’ve been pulled into planting trees and I hope these trees will outgrow me,” he chuckled.
Simoné Appolis from Rise and Create shared her promise, as part of the youth, to continue the legacy of protecting the environment.
“As a young person, I realise that the choices we make today will shape the world our children inherit,” she shared.
“Planting these trees is more than just an activity; it’s a promise. A promise that we are willing to do the small things that lead to big change. That we will take responsibility for protecting our environment and that we care enough to leave behind a future that is better than the one we found.”
The trees planted on Friday will take two years to become fully established.
“Today we have community members, Walmer police, the Lorraine Neighbourhood Watch, Ward 8 committee and our greatest thanks go to the Parks Department for providing the trees,” Rautenbach concluded.
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