Decoratively speaking a LOG in the veld performs a variety of domestic functions. LOGS adorn drawing-room mantelpieces, crackle happily in open fireplaces, or create instant indoor gardens containing tiny tropical plants and variegated geranium leaves. Domestic exploitations of LOGS, however, is only a minor aspect of the part played by these seemingly inanimate objects of nature.

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Throughout its life, a TREE converts solar energy into wood fibers, withdrawing large quantities of chemical compounds from the soil. When the TREE becomes a LOG, it begins to decompose, returning those compounds to the soil. During this period of decay, the LOG serves a number of useful NATURAL purposes.

There are sound reasons why an Old Tree Log should be left lying in the veld. By its very size, the LOG conserves moisture in the soil beneath and it can also help to control erosion by halting the run-off water.

Seeds of grasses, bushes and trees are frequently washed up or blown against the LOG, germinating in time under its protection. The plants which germinate under the protection of the LOG from the beginning of the herbivorous food-chain. Some of the seeds and fruits of these plants help sustain small birds and mammals.

Dead leaves and other plant material accumulate around the LOG, forming an absorbent sponge for water. The sponge eventually enters the process of decay, turning into humus and enriching the soil around the LOG.

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Bacteria and fungi grow on the LOG and utilize the remaining energy. The fungal threads form a network which penetrates the wood cells, decomposing the lignin and cellulose which of which the LOG is composed.

The breakdown process continues with the LOG providing a niche for many insects such as termites, woodborers and beetles which are common visitors to the shelter of the LOG.; in turn, these and their respective larvae provide abundant food for larger insects, scorpions, spiders, frogs, lizards, snakes – even small mammals such as the shrew, mongoose, mice and rabbit - to name a few.

Snakes and birds’ prey upon frogs, lizards and smaller rodents, which, in turn, fall prey to the various other predators.
The LOG, therefore, provides an interesting and very necessary part of an ecological niche. It is for these many reasons that LOGS should neither be burnt nor removed from its environment.

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Clive Walker and Don Richards (1975) SBN 360 00275 7
“Walk through the Wilderness”