The #ForestryFun has been gaining momentum on Instagram over the later part of this year, thanks to the many @forestry_explained followers who have posted their idea of ‘forestry fun’ in the hope to walk away with one of the three R1000 Cape Union Mart eVouchers on offer.

The competition was part of an awareness campaign using the social media platform to promote the recreational activities available within the patchwork forestry landscape. @forestry_explained followers haven’t disappointed, posting photos and videos of them having fun within the forestry landscape, from motorbiking and mountain biking, to geocaching and yoga, those who love looking for the landscapes hidden botanical treasures and those who enjoy pushing themselves on an endurance run, one thing is clear – the forestry landscape provides fantastic recreational pursuits for all.

On 13 November, the 13 ‘high octane’ finalists were announced.

They were posted on 16 November for @forestry_explained followers to decide a winner, followers were given 48 hours to register their ‘likes’ against the photo they wanted to win. On 18 November at 9 am – @CeboWealthy’s smile-inducing video was announced the winner.

“We can learn a lot from forestry, regrowth, change and beauty.” – Catherine Pulsifer

“I decided to enter the #ForestryFun competition because I know how much my friends and I enjoy the peace and tranquillity forests bring. I don’t think I can explain the feeling you get in the forests; it is a feeling you need to experience yourself. I really cannot believe I won; it feels unreal. This year has been hard on almost everyone, to win something when the festive season is upon us is just unbelievable and I am grateful. Thank you @forestry_explained.” – Cebo Wealthy @cebowealthy

The ‘leisurely pursuits’ finalists were announced on 20 November.

With voting commencing on 23 November and the winner, @Primepoles announced on the 25th .

“Thanks for all the support for Levi! He loves the outdoors just as much as we do. Being able to go for that walk, run or cycle through the forestry landscape is not just beautiful, but the clean fresh air is what we love, and Levi looks forward to. Put on your socks and he is jumping up and down. Here’s to a happy ending to 2020 and stay healthy.” – Nadine Daugherty @primepoles

The winner of the final category, ‘recreational landscapes’, is yet to be identified. The finalists were only announced on 27 November, with voting opening on 30 November and only closing on 2 December when the winner will be announced.

The winning images and those of all the finalists will be used to make a short, promotional clip to promote the forestry landscape as a recreational space. This will then be used in the development of key messages promoting forestry recreations and the broad range of social benefits this brings.