A group of international tree climbers has embarked on a mission to explore some of Africa's most spectacular trees.
South Africa's ancient trees —
A group of international tree climbers has embarked on a mission to explore some of Africa's most spectacular trees.
Explore Trees
Launched by David Wiles (pictured), the "Explore: The Ancient Trees of Africa" project is aiming to help highlight the need to preserve South Africa's spectacular trees.
South Africa's ancient trees —
Launched by David Wiles (pictured), the "Explore: The Ancient Trees of Africa" project is aiming to help highlight the need to preserve South Africa's spectacular trees.
Explore Trees
Last January, the group climbed Africa's biggest baobab in South Africa's Limpopo province.
South Africa's ancient trees —
Last January, the group climbed Africa's biggest baobab in South Africa's Limpopo province.
©David Wiles
"Just watching the sun going down from the top of that tree was amazing," remembers Wiles. "You are in the middle of nowhere and the only thing that you can hear around you is birds," he adds.
South Africa's ancient trees —
"Just watching the sun going down from the top of that tree was amazing," remembers Wiles. "You are in the middle of nowhere and the only thing that you can hear around you is birds," he adds.
©David Wiles
The group also scaled climbed for the first time what was measured to be the world's tallest planted tree: an 81.5-meter eucalyptus in Limpopo.
South Africa's ancient trees —
The group also scaled climbed for the first time what was measured to be the world's tallest planted tree: an 81.5-meter eucalyptus in Limpopo.
Leisl Pohl
The climbers are using tree-friendly modern scaling techniques that involve a mechanical ascender which makes scaling easier and safer.
South Africa's ancient trees —
The climbers are using tree-friendly modern scaling techniques that involve a mechanical ascender which makes scaling easier and safer.
Explore Trees
"We work on a leave-no-trace policy so the use of spurs is 100% no go!" says Wiles. "We shoot a thin 1.5mm line with a 8/10oz weight up into the canopy using a 10ft tall slingshot or crossbow," he adds. "We then disconnect the weight and tie on our rope and haul the thin line back pulling out climbing lines into the tree."
South Africa's ancient trees —
"We work on a leave-no-trace policy so the use of spurs is 100% no go!" says Wiles. "We shoot a thin 1.5mm line with a 8/10oz weight up into the canopy using a 10ft tall slingshot or crossbow," he adds. "We then disconnect the weight and tie on our rope and haul the thin line back pulling out climbing lines into the tree."
Explore Trees
Wiles (left) and co-founder Drew Bristow also helped in installing nest boxes for the endangered Cape Parrot, an endemic species of which less than 1,000 are thought to be alive.
South Africa's ancient trees —
Wiles (left) and co-founder Drew Bristow also helped in installing nest boxes for the endangered Cape Parrot, an endemic species of which less than 1,000 are thought to be alive.
Explore Trees
Wiles says the team is now hoping to gain more scientific backing for the Cape Parrots project and return to Limpopo as soon as possible to install more nests.
South Africa's ancient trees —
Wiles says the team is now hoping to gain more scientific backing for the Cape Parrots project and return to Limpopo as soon as possible to install more nests.
Explore Trees
Wiles and Bristow enjoying the views from the tallest yellowwood tree in Eastern Cape.
South Africa's ancient trees —
Wiles and Bristow enjoying the views from the tallest yellowwood tree in Eastern Cape.
©David Wiles
As part of its educational focus, the group also gave school children the chance to experience the thrill of climbing South Africa's magnificent trees.
South Africa's ancient trees —
As part of its educational focus, the group also gave school children the chance to experience the thrill of climbing South Africa's magnificent trees.
Explore Trees
Can you think of a better place to take a nap?
South Africa's ancient trees —
Can you think of a better place to take a nap?
Drew Bristow
... or just hang out for a while?
South Africa's ancient trees —
... or just hang out for a while?
David Wiles