By Erin Martin – GCBR Environmental Education Intern
On 14 April, a group of 60 Grade 6 and 7 learners from Melkhoutfontein Primary School set out on an educational excursion to Tuin-op-die-Brak in Still Bay in celebration of International Plant Appreciation Day, organised by the Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve’s Environmental Education team. The outing, led by Dr Andor Venter, gave the learners an opportunity to step outside the classroom and engage directly with the natural environment.
The learners explored the area’s distinctive limestone fynbos, which is home to an impressive variety of plant life, including several species that are classified as endangered. This hands-on experience helped them gain a deeper appreciation of the importance of local biodiversity in a meaningful way.
During the visit, Anna Francis, a local municipal worker at the garden, guided the learners through the herb section and explained how various plants are used for medicinal and practical purposes, helping them understand the additional value of the vegetation around them.
The learners also interacted with special features in the garden, including a braille-labelled sensory trail designed to make nature accessible to visually impaired visitors. Another memorable stop was the sundial, where they discovered how people measured time in earlier times and even tested its accuracy themselves.
The day ended with happy faces and plenty of curiosity sparked by what the learners had seen and experienced. On the journey back to school, they didn’t just take memories with them, they took back a stronger appreciation for plants and the important part they play in the web of life.
