Greenpop is hosting its annual restoration event, Reforest Fest, at Bodhi Khaya Nature Retreat in Stanford this upcoming Easter weekend (29 March - 1 April 2024).
Reforest Fest is a transformative event that brings together families and individuals of all ages to immerse themselves in a harmonious blend of tree planting, wellness activities, wholesome and unique food experiences, and a celebration of nature.
This eco-conscious festival is not only a gathering for personal well-being, but also a collective effort to restore and rejuvenate our surrounding coastal thickets and afromontane forests.
What to expect at Reforest Fest 2024
Wholesome plant-based food
Attendees can indulge in delightful foodie experiences in the wholesome food village, where nourishing plant-based options are plenty. The festival emphasises sustainability by promoting a menu that is not only delicious but also aligns with ethical and eco-friendly practices by sourcing through farmers in the surrounding Stanford Valley.
Barista making coffee for festival goers. Photo: Christian Khayo
Fun for kids and people of all ages
Reforest Fest is an event for all ages. From Forest School, to kids yoga, to nature exploration walks and fun educational activities, this is a super way to get your youngsters back in the wild! Note, there will also be facilitators to look after kiddos if parents would like to nip out to have some solo time, or do a workshop sans kids.
Young and old getting creative at the Reforest Fest. Photo: Christian Khayo
Community engagement and education
Beyond the festivities, Reforest Fest also has a variety of informative and uplifting talks and workshops, hosted by expert facilitators. Topics range from eco-anxiety to agency, sustainable living, and conservation, explore the forests or fynbos with experts to better understand the context of our diverse ecosystems.
Expect informative and uplifting talks at the festival. Photo: Shari Lee Thompson
A commitment to sustainability
Wines in the Wild
At Reforest Fest, Greenpop’s commitment to sustainability and forest restoration takes centre stage. The Reforest Fest is proud to present exclusive wine tastings curated underneath the banner "Wines in the Wild" – a series of wine experiences at the event. These include our Conservation Wine Tent in collaboration with WWF South Africa, Sunday Harvest Feast celebrating the bounty of the Overberg with Kolossal Hospitality, as well as a delectable chocolate, honey and wine pairing in collaboration with Wellness Warehouse.
Through these special experiences, we will recognise six noteworthy wineries championing conservation and their contributions to environmental protection. These notable wines are striving to make significant moves in conserving nature and producing more sustainable wine.
Featured in these tastings are renowned wine farms: Strandveld Vineyards, Boland Cellar, Lubanzi Wines, Bosman Family Vineyards, Skipskop Wines, and Van Hunks. Guests can indulge in these special wine-tasting experiences, and get more information about their biodiversity and conservation journeys of the wineries.
Wine tasting in the Conservation Wine Tent. Photo: Jessie Leverzencie
Festival goers at Reforest Fest can savour these inspiring wines not only at the Conservation Wine Tent, but also at three unique pairings throughout the weekend. This Easter Sunday, Greenpop are thrilled to welcome back Wellness Warehouse to the festival, who will help spread awareness about how our plates can be more environmentally conscious. Wellness Warehouse will be providing dark chocolate and a selection of honey, for a delightful chocolate, honey and wine pairing experience.
Join us for a thought-provoking talk on Sunday afternoon, as dynamic speakers – Shelly from WWF South Africa, Danie, a local beekeeper, and Misha from Greenpop – delve into a crucial conversation about "What's on Your Plate." This engaging discourse on consumer behaviour explores the journey of our food, how it acts as medicine for our minds and bodies, its environmental impact, and its role in shaping our world, thus emphasizing the profound influence of consumer choices on ecosystems, bee habitats, and global sustainability. This collaborative talk aims to spark awareness and ignite a sense of responsibility, urging us each to take action in whichever way(s) we can.
Sunday Harvest Feast
The Sunday Harvest Feast is an assemblage of colourful fine cuisines, courtesy of Kolossal Hospitality and incredible chef, Bridget Bartelmann. The delectable spread will be made using the finest locally grown produce, showcasing the bounty found in seasonal and local eating.
Back for the second year, after popular demand, the Sunday Harvest Feast will bring the flavours of the Overberg to the festival and this year’s menu is sure to be a treat once again. Guests can enjoy the delightful spread paired with wines from local conservation wineries, as well as a selection of honey from Wellness Warehouse to try.
Picture an array of honey selections all paired with unique honey cards, which communicate the fascinating tale behind the golden nectar. As you savour the sweetness, discover the conservation elements tied to each honey variant.
The emphasis on locally grown produce in South Africa, as highlighted by the Sunday Harvest Feast, holds significant importance for various reasons:
- Supporting local economy: Choosing locally grown produce contributes directly to the local economy by supporting local farmers and businesses. This helps create employment opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and foster a sense of community.
- Reducing carbon footprint: Locally sourced produce requires less transportation compared to goods imported from distant locations. This reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation and promotes sustainability by minimising greenhouse gas emissions.
- Preserving biodiversity: Highlighting the bounty of seasonal and local eating encourages the preservation of native plant varieties and promotes biodiversity. This is crucial for maintaining a healthy ecosystem and preserving the natural balance of flora and fauna.
- Ensuring freshness and quality: Locally grown produce is often fresher and of higher quality compared to items that have travelled long distances. This freshness not only enhances the flavour and nutritional value of the dishes but also supports a culture of appreciating and enjoying fresh, seasonal ingredients.
- Cultural connection: Showcasing locally sourced ingredients allows people to connect with their cultural and regional identity through food. It celebrates the diverse culinary traditions and unique flavours that are specific to the region, contributing to a sense of pride and cultural heritage.
- Community building: Events centred around locally grown produce, like the Sunday Harvest Feast, create a platform for community engagement. People come together to celebrate local flavours, share food experiences, and build a sense of community around the shared appreciation for regional produce.
- Educating and raising awareness: By showcasing the importance of locally grown produce, events like the Sunday Harvest Feast play a role in educating the public about the benefits of supporting local agriculture. This, in turn, raises awareness about sustainable food choices and the impact of individual decisions on the broader food system.
In summary, the Sunday Harvest Feast not only offers a delightful culinary experience but also catalyzes positive social, economic, and environmental impacts by promoting and emphasising the significance of locally grown produce in South Africa.
To find out more about Reforest Fest 2024 and buy tickets, click HERE.
Working together to plant trees at the Reforest Fest. Photo: Shari Lee Thompson