#MyModderfontein: The then and now of Modderfontein Reserve

Outdoor enthusiasts love to flock to Modderfontein Nature Reserve every weekend for various activities, but this was not the case back in the day.

The then and now of the park is split between being a farm in the 1800s and a nature reserve in 2019.

According to Modderfontein Conservation Society secretary Robbie Vermont the farm was 900ha large.

Now it is 275ha large due to recent developments.

“The farm used to stretch from Allandale Road to the N3,” said the conservationist.

AECI established the farm and used it for its agricultural projects.

“They made and tested their animal feed and fertilisers there,” said Robbie.

The large open land was a safety measure to protect residents and the dynamite factory when explosions took place.

Four dams surround the reserve namely Fish Eagle Dam, John Voelker Dam, Grebe Dam and Blue Crane Dam to this day.

“The John Voelker Dam was built in 1992 for bird breeding.”

The dam still has a good variety of birds.

“On September 15, I saw a White-backed night heron which has never been seen before at the reserve,” said Robbie.

About 283 species have been seen since 1896, according to Robbie.

“An attraction of the reserve has always been the wide variety of birds.”

Birds such as the African Fish-Eagle, Long-crested Eagle and White Stork are seen in the reserve, with seasonal visits from several interesting species including raptors.

In addition, a pair of Blue Cranes have bred there for the last 25 years.

“Due to loss of habitat, there has been a decrease in the number of animal species.

“There are certain birds you can no longer see such as the Crimson-breasted shrike,” said Robbie.

The reserve still has a small, natural population of black-backed jackal, steenbok, duiker, leguaan, mongooses, otters, meerkat, and genet. Zebra, black wildebeest, red hartebeest, blesbok, reedbuck, and highveld springbok have been introduced.

At the heart of the reserve are some heritage buildings called “Isidleke” which means “the nest” in isiZulu.

Isidleke comprises of three buildings, an old barn, Dobb’s House and an office complex.

It also houses the dam keeper´s house, known as Dobbs’ Cottage, constructed in 1934 for estate manager Lt Col Dobbs, an SA Irish Regiment.

During the SA War, Lous Klei, a Hamburg carpenter and Modderfontein carpenters and bricklayers constructed the house, barn and shooting lodge.

These buildings are located close to the west of the Blue Crane Dam.

The old barn was built in 1900 by Randlord Sir Alfred Beit, who was once the owner of a hunting lodge in the area.

The only part of the hunting lodge that remains today is the observation tower.

The nature reserve currently offers no shooting or hunting activities.

Some of the buildings are now used as Val Bonne Country Estate’s restaurant and event venue.

The reserve has been formally zoned as private open space.

Currently, the reserve has a host of activities from time to time.

People can take guided and self-guided walks.

A conservation fee is payable at the gate to the reserve and the society for guided walks.

Groups can take guided walks with a Conservation Society guide by arrangement.

Cycling tracks are also available and a Saturday morning parkrun is up and running.

“Research by universities is done at the reserve,” said Robbie.

Other facilities offered in the park are scouting and picnic areas.

From the reserve’s past to now, one key aspect to note is efforts made to keep it as natural and open as possible.

It’s societies like the Modderfontein Conservation Society and Endangered Wildlife Trust that ensure that green belts are not taken over by threatening activity.

The land has gone through some changes but the good news is it is still as natural as it was in the past.

Annual membership provides unlimited access to the reserve, during operational hours, and is available at R500 per member.

The conservation fee is R30 per adult and R15 per child.

For more information on the Reserve go to www.modderfonteinreserve.co.za.