Tag: wildlife corridors

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Ecolution Festival at Well-Being Sanctuary: 3-6 October 2025

ecolution festival 2025

Date: 3-6 October 2025
Place: Well-Being Sanctuary, GardenRoute

BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD

Welcome to the second edition of ECOLUTION FESTIVAL!

Hosted at Well-Being Sanctuary in collaboration with Precious Tree Project and the Kula Malaika Foundation – both are registered Non-Profit and Public Benefit Organisations (NPOs & PBOs) – this event is about more than just trees. It’s about restoring ecosystems and creating a permanent, sustainable wildlife corridor in the Ruigtevlei area near Sedgefield.

At ECOLUTION we celebrate nature, sustainability, and community! This unique festival is more than music and good vibes — it’s a hands-on journey into ecological connection and environmental action. At the heart of ECOLUTION are three guiding pillars:

1. WILDLIFE CORRIDORS
These natural pathways reconnect fragmented habitats, allowing animals to roam, forage, and thrive. Through talks, exhibits, and workshops, you’ll learn how habitat fragmentation affects biodiversity and how individuals and landowners can help restore these vital lifelines.

2. FOREST REHABILITATION
Join tree and fynbos planting ceremonies, clear alien species, and experience guided forest walks that reveal nature’s power to heal. This is your chance to actively restore ecosystems, combat climate change, and create thriving habitats for wildlife.

3. PERMACULTURE PRINCIPLES
Explore sustainable living through hands-on workshops in regenerative farming, natural building, vermicomposting (worm farming), water harvesting, agroforestry, and more. Learn how to live in harmony with nature while supporting food security and resilient communities.

MORE TO EXPERIENCE
Enjoy eco-conscious performances, recycled art installations, and a green marketplace featuring local, sustainable products. Whether you’re deeply rooted in environmental work or just starting your journey, ECOLUTION invites you to connect, learn, and co-create a greener future.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Donate a Tree (or More!)
For just R100 per sapling, you can contribute to our reforesting effort. Donate via www.precioustreeproject.org.za by clicking “Make a Donation” and specifying Ecolution Festival in the ‘Leave an Appreciation’ section.
OR
Also join us at the Festival!
Support the cause by buying a ticket to an unforgettable, four day family-friendly event at the start of the October school holidays. Expect live music, immersive workshops, glamping specials, and so much more!

GET INVOLVED
Want to contribute your skills or time? Apply to volunteer or fundraise and be part of
our growing community. Go here to apply.

TICKETS

Ticket price includes free camping (bring your own tent), drinking water, firewood and entertainment. It also incorporates the purchase of an endemic indigenous tree. Provide your own food or purchase your meals from the food stalls. To purchase your ticket(s), click on the link that follows below. Please note: Children aged 1 to 6 years enter for free.

EARLY BIRD ADULTS R590
EARLY BIRD KIDS R190
Limited number available from now until 30 June

STANDARD ADULTS R790
STANDARD KIDS R290
Available until 5 October

FAMILY SPECIAL R1,560
2 Adults plus 2 Kids
Available from 1 July to 5 October

Buy Your Tickets Here!

GLAMPING

Special offer price for festival does not include your entry ticket. Each tent is equipped to a standard commensurate with the price you are paying. For more details on the creature comforts of each specification, please contact Mariette Carstens directly: 066 256 8468

DELUXE GLAMPING
5m Bell Tent
1 to 2 people R2,000 (R500 pt/pd)
3 to 4 people R2,800 (R700 pt/pd)
Variety of bed sizes available (first come, first served)

BASIC GLAMPING
4m Dome Tent: 1 to 2 people R1,500 (R375 pt/pd). 2 single beds.
2.5m Baby Bell Tent (only 6 available): 1 person R1,000 (R250 pp/pd). 1 single bed.

WE VALUE CLEAR, CONSCIOUS CONNECTION
NO PETS. NO ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS. RIGHT OF ADMISSION RESERVED

Join the Facebook event for updates!

Well-Being Sanctuary
Hoogekraal Farm 182, Sedgefield, 6573
https://wellbeingsanctuary.co.za
Whatsapp: +27 66 256 8468

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More Trees Take Root Thanks to Rock the Route / PANGEA Trails

We recently had an incredible tree planting day at Libertas Wildlife Corridor, getting 66 new trees into the ground, all thanks to the amazing sponsorship from Rock the Route / PANGEA Trails.

The day was made even more special by the incredible people who joined us. We had the landowner herself on site, a true champion who has been diligently clearing and maintaining alien vegetation off her property. Her dedication to restoring the natural ecosystem is truly inspiring. We were also joined by her neighbor, who brought his children along to help. This family is actively collaborating with us at a ground level to facilitate the expansion of this vital wildlife corridor in the region. It’s truly a community effort!

Every tree planted brings us closer to our goal of restoring and expanding crucial wildlife corridors, providing essential habitats for local biodiversity. A huge thank you to Rock the Route / PANGEA Trails for their generous support, and to all the incredible individuals who dedicate their time and effort to making these planting days a success.

Ready for an adventure that gives back?

Check out Rock the Route / PANGEA Trails and know that your epic journey will also help plant a tree!

This fantastic collaboration means that for every person who signs up for one of Rock the Route’s extreme adventures, a tree is sponsored with the Precious Tree Project. It’s a brilliant way to combine thrilling experiences with tangible environmental impact!

Tours & Day Trips in the Garden Route and South Africa – Rock the Route

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ECOLUTION FESTIVAL at Well-Being Sanctuary: 26-29 September 2024

ecolution festival 2024

BE THE CHANGE… you want to see in the world.

Welcome to ECOLUTION, a celebration of nature, sustainability, and community!

An initiative of Well-Being Sanctuary in collaboration with Precious Tree Project (NPO), this unique festival is not just about music and having a lekker time, but is dedicated to fostering a deeper connection with the environment and promoting ecological harmony.

At the heart of ECOLUTION are three fundamental pillars: establishing wildlife corridors, forest rehabilitation, and embracing permaculture principles.

WILDLIFE CORRIDORS are vital pathways that connect fragmented habitats, allowing animals to migrate, forage, and breed freely. At the festival you can explore talks, educational exhibits and interactive workshops focused on raising awareness about the importance of preserving these corridors. Experts share insights on the impact of habitat fragmentation and ways landowners and individuals can contribute to creating and maintaining these vital lifelines for biodiversity.

FOREST REHABILITATION takes center stage at ECOLUTION, symbolising renewal and regeneration. You are invited to participate in fun-filled ceremonies, planting trees and fynbos, where you can get your hands dirty and contribute to restoring degraded ecosystems, as well as clearing alien species. Guided forest hikes offer an immersive experience, allowing participants to witness firsthand the transformative power of nature restoration. Through collaborative efforts, ECOLUTION aims to replenish natural biomes, combat climate change, and provide habitat for countless species.

PERMACULTURE, the third pillar of ECOLUTION, is a holistic approach to sustainable living that mimics natural ecosystems and promotes resilience. Workshops on permaculture design showcase innovative techniques for creating self-sustaining food systems, regenerative agriculture, and eco-friendly infrastructure. From composting and rainwater harvesting to agroforestry and renewable energy; from natural building to worm farming, ECOLUTION inspires attendees to embrace practices that harmonise with nature, nourish the land, and support local communities.

In addition to these core pillars, ECOLUTION offers a vibrant lineup of eco-conscious performances, art installations crafted from recycled materials, and a marketplace featuring sustainable products from local artisans and green businesses. Whether you’re a seasoned environmentalist or a curious newcomer, ECOLUTION invites you to join in the celebration of our planet and discover how together, we can create a brighter, greener future for generations to come.

Play as you learn with our AMAZING EXPERTS –

FEATURING…

TALKS, FOREST WALKS, WORKSHOPS, YOGA, LIVE MUSIC, ECSTATIC DANCE, TREE- AND FYNBOS PLANTING, ALIEN SPECIES CLEARING, FOOD STALLS, KIDS ZONE, FIRE DANCING, TRADING AND SO MUCH MORE!

DELUXE GLAMPING: For Next Level Luxury in a 5m Bell Tent is at a special package for the entire 4 days.
1 to 2 people R2,000 (variety in beds available, first come, first serve)
3 to 4 people R2,800

TICKETS – Your ticket incorporates the purchase of an endemic indigenous tree.

EARLY BIRD ADULTS: R399 • EARLY BIRD KIDS: R199
* Sales window closes 30 June 2024

STANDARD ADULTS: R699 • STANDARD KIDS: R299
* Sales window closes 31 August 2024

SNOOZE ADULTS: R999 • SNOOZE KIDS: R399
* Effective 1 to 29 September 2024

Ticket price includes free camping (bring your own tent), drinking water, firewood and entertainment. Provide your own food or purchase your meals from the food stalls.

We value clear, conscious connection.

NO PETS. NO ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS. RIGHT OF ADMISSION RESERVED.

DIRECTIONS TO THE VENUE
The GPS co-ordinates provided below will only take you to Lake Avenue. But if you read the directions below, you’ll get to the venue. Guaranteed!

https://maps.google.com/?q=-33.971325,22.776617

FROM THE SEDGEFIELD SIDE
Once you pass through Sedgefield on the N2, take the Karatara turnoff to your left. Travel about 4km to the first turn to the left (also signposted: Karatara). Pass over a low water bridge, travel about 3km to the first left turn. It is a dirt road with a sign saying Hoogekraal/George.
Follow the road over the river and up the pass for about 5km to the first left turn. Signs say Well-Being Sanctuary, Wilderness Forest Estate, Fynbosvlei. TURN LEFT into Lake Avenue.
From the top of Lake Avenue just keep following the blue and white WBS arrows. At the bottom of the road you will see a face brick entrance, TURN LEFT and you will see a large wooden gate. You have arrived.
Once through the gate (where you will be required to present your pre-booked tickets) travel along the grass road and park your vehicle in the designated area. Voila! Enjoy a blissful time!

FROM THE WILDERNESS SIDE
Once you pass through Wilderness on the N2, take the turn off to Hoekwil. Travel for approximately 21km and take the right turn onto the dirt road to Ruigtevlei.
Travel approximately 3 km along the dirt road and turn right into Lake Avenue (at this juncture you will see a few signs, including Wilderness Forest Estate, Fynbosvlei, Tomorrowland & Well-Being Sanctuary). TURN RIGHT into Lake Avenue.
From the top of Lake Avenue just keep following the blue and white WBS arrows. At the bottom of the road you will see a face brick entrance, TURN LEFT and you will see a large wooden gate. You have arrived.
Once through the gate (where you will be required to present your pre-booked tickets) travel along the grass road and park your vehicle in the designated area. Voila! Enjoy a blissful time!

Join the Facebook event for live updates.

Ecolution Festival 2024
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Mini-Forest Magic in the Shamboh Wildlife Corridor

Mini-Forest Magic in the Shamboh Wildlife Corridor - Precious Tree Project

Shamboh WLC expands its biodiversity footprint with another successful mini-forest pocket planting! This latest addition to the forest biome was made possible through the combined contributions of Mines Rescue, who sponsored half the trees, and the wonderful individuals who support us through our Gift a Tree platform in honour of a loved one.

The groundwork for this mini-forest was pre-prepared by the landowner, who diligently thinned the area and cleared it of invasive species. Larger alien trees trees were methodically ringbarked and will be removed in due course, since they provide shade for the newly planted saplings.

Following our established best practices, the new trees within this forest pocket have been planted in close proximity to one another. This method facilitates the development of intricate underground networks, allowing the trees to communicate and support each other as they grow and establish a resilient ecosystem.

Though the planting itself was uncomplicated, the creation of this mini-forest at Shamboh WLC – powered by the generosity of our community – represents a significant step towards a richer and more biodiverse environment.

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A Day of Growth and Giving

Today wasn’t just about putting roots in the ground; it was about the incredible spirit of community and the power of collective action to nurture our precious environment. We had the pleasure of hosting not one, but two wonderful planting sessions, each with its own unique charm.

Morning Bloom: THYME to Plant

Our morning began with a heartwarming visit from the vibrant seniors of The Garden Thyme Group, hailing all the way from Knysna. This remarkable group, aptly named, certainly proved that age is no barrier to making a tangible difference. They arrived with enthusiasm and a generous spirit, having not only sponsored a number of trees but also rolled up their sleeves to plant them themselves!

We were thrilled to welcome these green-thumbed individuals to the Shamboh site. In a touching gesture, the trees planted during this session were each dedicated in honour of a member of The Garden Thyme Group, sponsored directly by the members themselves. Imagine the legacy these trees will represent, a living tribute to the individuals who care so deeply about our planet.

Witnessing this planting was inspiring – a powerful reminder that every generation has a vital role to play in environmental stewardship. They created a beautiful connection with the land and each other.

Afternoon Flourish: A Mini Forest Takes Root

As the morning sun gave way to the afternoon warmth, we welcomed a different group to another newly cleared section of the Wildlife Corridor. This session focused on creating a small, vibrant mini forest pocket, thanks to the wonderful generosity of individuals who sponsored trees through our “Gift a Tree” platform.

It’s always incredibly rewarding to see the direct impact of these sponsorships. Today, we planted a significant number of trees, each one representing a thoughtful contribution from someone who believes in the power of nature and the importance of reforestation. These trees will contribute to the biodiversity of the area, providing habitat and helping to create a thriving ecosystem within this small pocket of land.

The afternoon planting session was a testament to the collective impact of individual actions. Each sponsored tree, when planted together, creates something far greater than the sum of its parts – a growing, breathing mini-forest that will benefit the environment for years to come.

A Day of Growth, Together

Today was a powerful reminder of the incredible things we can achieve when we work together. From the enthusiastic seniors of The Garden Thyme Group to the thoughtful individuals who gifted trees, every single contribution, big or small, plays a vital role in our mission.

We extend our deepest gratitude to The Garden Thyme Group for their visit, their sponsorship, and their inspiring energy. And to everyone who has gifted a tree through our platform, thank you for your support!

Click here if you would like to Gift A Tree!
We have selected 11 of our favourite endemic forest tree species for you to choose from. The tree species you select and sponsor in honour / celebration of a loved one, will be planted out in one of reforestation projects in the Garden Route, with a range of other species, in bio-mimicked indigenous forest patches that emulate the natural forest biome of the area.