Swamp forest in the midst of restoration
Westville Conservancy has constructed 80 meters of wooded walkways in the wettest areas of Jubilee Park.
AFTER much complaints and calls for action from the Westville Conservancy, Jubilee Park is on the road to recovery.
The Highway Mail published an article about damages caused by excessive mechanical activity in a section of the refurbished area of Jubilee Park a few weeks ago. Municipality workers were contracted to clear a sewer drain, but in the process, damaged or killed at least 10 trees and other indigenous material.
Fortunately, the Roads Department, who was responsible for the mess, has rectified a large portion of the destroyed area but sections of the wettest areas need rectification.
John Hinck, a Westville Conservancy member, who has been volunteering his time for the upkeep of this area, said Jubilee Park is a rare swamp forest.
“It is only one of two swamp forests in the municipality. Being a swamp forest, the area cannot accommodate large mechanical earth removal machines as the area is continuously very wet and boggy. To make the areas accessible to families, 80 meters of wooded walkways in the wettest areas have recently been constructed by the Westville Conservancy with material purchased at significant discount at Buco Timbers using a donation provided by The Westville Environmental Trust,” said Hinck.
To bring all areas back to the pristine condition prior to the destruction, Parks and Gardens, Roads and Sewers and the Westville Conservancy will join forces to replant the indigenous trees that were destroyed and restore the interior of boggy areas as they were.
The Westville Conservancy will host a walk in the reserve on Saturday 22 February at 8am. Meet at the bird hide on Princess Ann Road in Westville, to join the walk.
