Westville Boys’ High learners are a cut above the rest
A handful of learners from Westville Boys' High School pledged to clear out as many alien invasive plants at the Eco Trails at the Westville Country Club in two days.
DEDICATED Grade 9 and 10 learners from Westville Boys’ High School pledged to spend their annual community service week removing alien invasive plants from the Eco Trails at the Westville Country Club.
Under supervision the learners, kitted with slashers, bush knives, gloves and a chain saw, removed alien vegetation and cleared grasslands for two days.
“The impact they made with the removal of bracken from the grasslands, as well as invasive plants such as morning glory, scarlet morning glory, madeira vine, balloon vine, ageratum, bugweed, triffid, castor oil bush, coral bush and syringa, among other alien invasive plants, was outstanding,” said the club’s admin manager, Lisa Nourse.
According to The Westville Conservancy’s Jean Senogles, the rich biodiversity in Westville’s wild areas is worth conserving for enjoyment now and in the future.
ALSO READ: Westville Boys’ High rise against violence
“The contribution from the boys of WBH must not be underestimated in helping to prevent our indigenous species being pushed out by invasives. The bracken fern, although indigenous, was also removed as it has a negative effect on the precious grasslands that are now much reduced in size in our area. The yellow billed kite’s call is again sounding in the Eco Trails and is evidence of the positive effect the learners had on our environment,” said Jean.
A group of learners saved at least three trees that were being strangled by madeira and balloon vine.
Craig Donaldson, the club’s estate manager, whose portfolio includes the mammoth task of maintaining the Eco Trails, stated the work done during the two days would have taken him and his team weeks to accomplish.Thanks was also given to Jenni Bell and Jean Senogles from The Westville Conservancy, who gave of their time and expertise to ensure the work being done would have maximum benefit to the environment.
“The community service projects that we have had so far have been very successful and we would love to grow this opportunity to get the community, schools, organisations and businesses involved,” said Lisa.
To make a donation, monetary or in-kind, or to volunteer, contact Lisa Nourse on 031 2661391 or email manager@westvillecc.co.za.
Do you want to receive alerts regarding this and other Highway community news via Telegram? Send us a Telegram message (not an SMS) with your name and surname (ONLY) to 060 532 5409.
You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Telegram number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts.
Here’s where you can download Telegram on Android or Apple.
To receive our free newsletter click here.
