Biodiversity highlight: La Motte

By 2011-3-9 10:41:27

La Motte has always regarded environmental management as a high priority. Blended within all activities on the well known estate, this is seen as a long-term strategy and a daily practice.

As a BWI Champion member, La Motte commits itself to annual alien clearing operations, protection and rehabilitation of indigenous vegetation (Hawequas Sandstone Fynbos) and the protection of diversity and ecology.

Currently La Motte conserves 35 hectares of the 170 hectare farm while 85 hectares is responsibly used for grape growing. This means that the soil and indigenous vegetation is always respected and protected to all possible means as well as to alleviate the impact of these agricultural activities on the natural environment.

The most important part in La Motte’s sustainable farming program is therefore to clear away alien plantation and rehabilitate natural vegetation in order to improve natural water resources and reduce the risk of erosion. Fire and water is seen as the biggest natural risk in the wine industry. Natural fires occur during the scorching summer, a dry season in the Western Cape, and are worsened by indigenous trees such as the black wattle, blue gum and pine trees. Dangerously low water levels also boost the intensity of these fires.

According to Inge Kotzé, BWI Project Manager, one blue gum tree can use up to 300 litres of water per day, per plant, if it is planted near a dam, lake or stream. La Motte has been committed to the removal of these alien plants since 2004.

The next step being rehabilitation of the indigenous vegetation, they have started to plant Buchu, Protea species and endemic Blushing Bride species. They've also started a nursery, specifically for the commercial cultivation of Disa species. Some of these plants will also be re-established into the conservation area.

La Motte was one of the first wine estates to be awarded the coveted ISO 14000 Environmental Management Certification. It currently holds the position as BWI Champion Member, is part of the Green Mountain Eco-Route and was honoured by the Franschhoek Trust for its commitment to biodiversity.

The La Motte farm recently also launched a hiking trail offering nature-lovers to explore La Motte’s abundant bird-life, Protea garden and indigenous flora.

From www.wine.co.za