Greenpop. – Get the new year’s diary out because in March 2017, Greenpop will be hosting their 7th annual Reforest Fest in the ancient Platbos Forest Reserve. But this isn’t just your ordinary festival! It is a chance to (re)connect with yourself, your fellow humans and with nature, help plant thousands of trees, dance to amazing live music, learn from eco-workshops, eat delicious food and much more. Last year, Greenpop planted 8000 trees and this year they are aim to plant another 8000 trees! Join them for a weekend of positive action and celebration!
Who is Greenpop?
Greenpop is a social enterprise on a mission to (re)connect people with the planet. They plant trees through urban greening and reforestation projects, spread environmental education, and activate people through green workshops and events.
Greenpop was founded in 2010 and has since planted over 70 000 indigenous and fruit trees at schools and other urban sites, community farms as well as forests across South Africa, Zambia and Tanzania. More than the number of trees, Greenpop is inspired by the 132 000 hands that have helped to plant the trees and the further thousands that have joined Greenpop’s eco-education programmes and made a commitment to be custodians of our beautiful planet.
What is the Reforest Fest?
Each year, Greenpop hosts the Reforest Fest over two weekends:
The first is the Family Weekend (March 10-12), created for parents and children to connect in nature while planting trees, enjoy great family entertainment and participate in activities for all ages. Unplug for some quality family time in the great outdoors and learn lessons about the planet that will last a lifetime.
The second is the Friends Weekend (March 17-19), ideal for people who would like to get their hands dirty and make positive impact for the environment. As well as planting thousands of trees, fest goers will enjoy eco-talks, yoga, live music and much more. Friends Weekend activities and talks are more tailored to adults, but all ages are welcome at both festival weekends!
Both Reforest Fest weekends are held in the beautiful Platbos Forest Reserve, 2.5 hours drive away from Cape Town in the Overberg region.
Part of the beauty of Reforest Fest is camping under the stars, so bring a tent and camp in our general campsite. Vehicles will not be allowed in the general campsite, though there will be a section for camper vans and roof-top tents. There also will be tents available for rent. So come and get close to nature in Platbos!
Meals are available for purchase from a number of excellent vegan and vegetarian food vendors. Greenpop encourages fest goers to buy from these delicious stalls, as there will be no self-catering facilities available. You are welcome to bring your own food as well, but campfires will not be allowed. Meal prices range between R25-R40 for breakfast, R40-60 for lunch, R50-R80 for dinner. Cash is king as there are no ATMs or card machines in the forest.
What is the Platbos Reforestation Project?
Platbos Forest is one of the few surviving indigenous forests in South Africa, filled with ancient Milkwood trees, some of which are up to 1000 years old. However, this forest is under threat due to deforestation: parts of the forest have been cleared, making way for invasive plant species which outcompete the indigenous tree species. At the Platbos Reforest Fest, thousands of indigenous tree species are planted, which help to improve the water table of the area, minimize the risk of fires, and provide habitat for indigenous plant and animal species.
The annual Greenpop Reforest Fest collaborates with the Trees for Tomorrow reforestation programme run by Melissa and Francois Krige of Platbos, and focuses on (re)connecting people with the forests, and helping to restore the health of the Platbos forest to its original abundance. There have been nearly 35,000 trees planted through the Friends and Family weekends to date, and they have an overall 85% survival rate!
“Platbos Reforest Fest truly is Greenpop’s mission in action: (re)connecting people with nature, and getting active (not anxious) for the planet, all in an ancient indigenous forest. Together, we are able to see the thriving trees we planted in previous years and get our hands dirty to add to this beautiful project. It is quite the thing to be with inspiring people doing awe-inspiring work in a place that is this awesome. We are not separate from nature. We are nature. I hope to see you there in 2017.”
– Misha Teasdale, Tree-E-O of Greenpop
Ticket Prices
In an effort to promote inclusivity, Greenpop is trying something new this year and offering tiered adult ticket prices – festival goers can choose to purchase a Generosity ticket, Regular ticket or Subsidised ticket. They ask that those who can afford it purchase Generosity ticket. For each Generosity ticket purchased, Greenpop will be able to offer a Subsidised ticket to someone would be unable to afford to attend otherwise.
- Adult Generosity ticket: R500
- Adult Regular ticket: R390
- Adult Subsidised ticket: R280
- Children under 12: R220
- Children under four: free
Win Free Tickets
Want to win some free tickets to Reforest Fest? Greenpop will running some amazing competitions leading up to the event, so make sure you are following them online to stay tuned and get excited!
FACEBOOK EVENTS:
- Family weekend: www.facebook.com/events/1764166813838549/
- Friends weekend: www.facebook.com/events/977816092330445
Read about my Greenpop Reforestation Festival at Platbos Reserve experience and find my other Greenpop related posts – here.
