Saws, cutters and rope for forest clean-up

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GEORGE NEWS - A team of 12 volunteers was hard at work last week with chain saws, hand wood saws, branch cutters and heavy rope to clean over 100 fallen trees at the back of the Garden Route Botanical Garden, all along the parkrun route.

The mammoth task started last week Thursday and continued throughout the weekend, under the keen eye of coordinator Lenn Clark. The heavy rains accompanied by high winds had caused many trees to fall in the George area.

"For now, the parkrun remains closed until further notice," said George parkrun communications officer Wayne Ryder. "The route is still very unsafe, since a tree can fall at any moment."

While helping the team on Saturday with the clean-up process, Ryder witnessed a tree falling about two metres ahead of him, on the path.

"I got a big fright when I heard and saw the tree coming down. Luckily, no damage!"

PHOTO GALLERY: Trees knocked over and damaged by weather

The path was declared unsafe last week Thursday, with some 200 trees which had been uprooted and fallen on the path.

He said it was actually too dangerous to be in the forest over the weekend, with more rain that fell.

Ryder thanked everyone who helped with the cutting up and removal of the fallen trees.

"Also a big thanks to the team from Hillbillies and the other trail groups that helped clear the routes. They are still busy clearing other routes for us all to use."

Some of the helpers who spent their weekend clearing up the parkrun route. "A job well done! It was all for one and one for all," said George parkrun communications officer Wayne Ryder (second from left).