For the past few weeks you might have seen the black wattle trees, Acacia Meamsoo, producing their smelly bright yellow flowers.

The saying: “one year's seeds give seven year's weeds” is an understatement with this aggressive foreign invader tree  their seeds stay fertile for over a century and will in time germinate and suffocate all other plants and trees.

We need to be aware of the natural beauty of our region and we need observant, concerned people like Cam van Aken (in his letter “Giving is good” 17 September) to become more informed and not target the wrong people.

Prof Roy Lubke works tirelessly at conservation and would be one of the last people to “rape” a thorn tree (Acacia Karoo).

The donkey cart people who I’m told raped the thorn tree near Waterloo Farm frequently illegally enter my property, even cutting the fence on the N2 which forms my northern boundary to cut down my trees.

We will never be able to plant trees fast enough to survive the perpetual need for fuel. I don't agree that the people who should care, don't.

The people who care are: Johnathan Pryor, project manager of our highly effective Working for Water Scheme; Kevin Bates, Assistant Director for Parks and Recreation; Prof Rob O'Donoghue, Environmental educator and associate Professor for Department of Education.

They all agree that aggressive foreign plants must be eliminated and where possible, used as fuel and that our local indigenous torn trees should be appreciated and replanted.

It is robust and well adapted to being harvested by people and animals. When harvesting this plant for firewood we should aim to leave 25% leaf on the tree.

Rob will be glad to tell you about Jim Taylor's energy efficient ceramic rocket stove which used 50% less wood and won the Achton Energy Award. Go to www.restio.co.za
Peter Wylie