SABI Magazine SABI Magazine June July 2017 | Page 36

Research Pushing the boundaries of science at Vergelegen Estate A n historic wine estate in Somerset West might not appear to be synonymous with cut ting-edge scientific discoveries, but on Ear th Day 317-year-old Vergelegen celebrated over a decade of hosting field researchers under taking ground-breaking work. Earth Day has been celebrated since 1970 and 2017’s campaign theme is environmental and climate literacy. Education is the foundation of progress, and the organisers want to make more people aware of climate change and to empower them with knowledge about environmental protection. Local and international scientists visiting the estate have already investigated subjects as diverse as Argentinian ants, Nguni cattle, frogs, grasshoppers, bontebok, 34 SABI | JUNE/JULY 2017 alien plant management water quality. and Following recent fires, researchers have also found Vergelegen to be an ideal site to investigate the post-fire recruitment of natural and alien plants; how Proteaceae compete after fire - and when and how insects return to these burnt areas. Numerous scientific papers have been published in local and international journals and research findings are implemented into Vergelegen’s environmental management plan where applicable. Heritage Vergelegen MD Don Tooth explains that Anglo American acquired the estate in 1987 as a showcase of the best of South African heritage, culture and environment, to be shared with the nation. As part of this initiative, a Centre of Learning Excellence was established. Representatives of six Western Cape tertiary institutions, plus overseas universities such as Bristol and Marburg, have undertaken field research on the farm. Four doctorates and seven masters’ degrees had been completed by 2016. Vergelegen MD Don Tooth Interest from the scientific community has been supported by the burgeoning animal and plant