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Through your generous support, the Nyika-Vwaza Trust in Malawi works with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife to improve the conservation of wildlife in the Nyika National Park and the Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve.

The Nyika-Vwaza (UK) Trust will provide the funding for year on year operational costs and specific projects through the generosity of its supporters.
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Indigenous Tree Nursery Project

Why is this project needed?
The Malawi Government has granted a logging concession to fell and remove almost the entire 500ha Chilinda pine plantation that was planted on the Nyika plateau in the 1950’s and which surrounds the headwaters of the Chilinda River and the Chilinda habitation. The manner in which this extensive operation is being carried out has denuded the catchment area resulting in deposition of detritus in the source of the water supply and the vital water reserves upon which the population (approx. 400 people) of Chilinda depend. Watershed management is needed urgently.

How will this project be implemented?
The first step is to commence the process of replacing the pine plantation of the watershed with indigenous trees as quickly as possible. To achieve this, the Malawi Government’s Department of National Parks and Wildlife is establishing a tree nursery at Thadzima, at the entrance to the park, and the Malawi Trust is to establish one at Chilinda. Seeds and plants will be sourced from existing forest systems on the plateau. The Malawi Trust’s aim is to first source pioneer species, then the slower growing long term trees and shrubs. When planted out, saplings will be mulched and provided with irrigation and protection as required. This will be an on-going process for a number of years.

Our request
We request an urgent grant/donation of £750 to start the tree nursery, preferably with a commitment to support the project financially three to five years. If you would like to find out more about this project, including a detailed breakdown of project costs, please contact Harry Foot, Stowford Farm, Harford, Ivybridge, Devon, PL21 0JD; Tel: (0)1752 892632; Email: stowfoots@southdevon.org or Tom Lupton Tel: 01580 291658; Email: tomlupton@btinternet.com
Cleared pine area requiring re-seeding with indigenous plants