Article written by Juan Ferreira, Sustainability Projects Manager, regarding the work of the team at the Land Restoration Project in Hoedspruit.
HERD (Hoedspruit Elephant Rehabilitation and Development) was established in 2019, following a long journey in caring for elephants that were displaced or orphaned due to human-elephant conflict.
Thanks to a grant given to HERD by National Lotteries Commission (NLC) in South Africa for the execution of our Land Restoration Project, we have been able to make progress in transforming the land around the HERD homestead and orphanage. This land suffers the most at the hands, or trunks, of the elephants, and needs more care in regenerating to survive and thrive for years to come. The land supports not only our herd but other wildlife in our reserve too.
The NLC relies on funds from the proceeds of the National Lottery. The Lotteries Act guides the way in which NLC funding may be allocated. The intention of NLC funding is to make a difference to the lives of all South Africans, especially those more vulnerable and to improve the sustainability of the beneficiary organisations. Available funds are distributed to registered and qualifying non-profit organisations in the fields of charities; arts, culture and national heritage; and sport and recreation. By placing its emphasis on areas of greatest need and potential, the NLC contributes to South Africa’s development.
HERD Trust is grateful to be supported by the NLC as we endeavour to look after the elephants’ home.
Road infrastructure
Using the tractor and trailed grader purchased as a capital expense, 10,4km of primary access road (in June) plus 5,7km of arterial farm roads (in July) were maintained. As a part of this maintenance, guidance humps were bolstered, and spillways opened to facilitate the controlled flow of water to prevent soil erosion to the surrounding topsoil and natural vegetation.
The washboard effect created by high traffic was significantly reduced to a smooth road surface, easing access to the property and preventing unnecessary undercarriage damage to vehicles. The road’s surface was maintained to improve ride comfort for guests and prevent unnecessary strain on vehicle components. Roadside branches have also been cut to avoid damage to safari vehicles’ canvas roofs and paintwork.
Water provision
Using the tractor and trailed grader alongside heavy earth-moving equipment, a dam wall severely damaged by past floods was restored to hold water. This dam will serve as a critical waterhole for wild animals on the reserve, especially during the dry season when little water is available in the veld.
A critical part of any dam wall is the overflow infrastructure. During August, the dam’s overflow was constructed, consisting of a low-water bridge and two overflow gabions. This allows excess water to flow out of the dam in a controlled manner in the event of a high-precipitation rainy season without damaging the dam wall.
We still require additional funding to carry out our continued land restoration, especially as we battle the current drought. You can help to support this project on GlobalGiving – https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/help-save-an-elephants-home/

Picture of Khanyisa arriving in 2019, and work in the reserve, courtesy of HERD