Walk for funds
PAULSHOF - A walk in nature may seem far from reality when in the city but Friends of Rietfontein are dispelling this myth.
Friends of Rietfontein urges the community to put on their walking shoes and take a breath of fresh air on trail walks around the Rietfontein Nature Reserve on Holkham Road in Paulshof.
Every Wednesday from 5pm, Margo Bansda and Michelle Watson of Friends of Rietfontein are leading the trails and exposing more people to the reserve.
Bansda explained that the incentive was for the community to learn about and use the reserve, especially in the wake of the proposed extension of the K60 road through Paulshof.
Friends of Rietfontein are leading the opposition to the road as it would cut off 67m of the reserve.
The road will extend the K60 road which ends at Rivonia Road in Sunninghill through Paulshof and will join Witkoppen Road after the intersection with Main Road.
Friends of Rietfontein are concerned the road would environmentally impact the Rietfontein ridge, a green belt, and would hamper the rehabilitating services offered by FreeMe Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre at the reserve.
The first public participation process has already been conducted and the scoping report will be released soon.
The lobby group is in the process of registering as a non-profit organisation and the walks will soon be used as part of the group’s fundraising initiative.
Bansda said, “We are going to need money for the expenses and later on the legal costs to oppose the K60. We also want to promote the reserve and now we are taking money from our pockets to pay for the website and any other marketing materials.”
Friends of Rietfontein hope to spark interest in the reserve and attract more visitors. There are also potential plans to refurbish the park with the funds generated.
Details: friendsofrietfontein@gmail.com
