EIGHT conservancies in the Highway area have partnered to create A Walk on the Wild Side, an open weekend from Saturday, 27 to Sunday, 28 March that aims to highlight a few of their projects. The project areas are wild habitats that have been restored to – or as close as possible – their original, indigenous condition.
Parking is available on the street verges and each site is open from 8am to 4pm. Visitors can host self-guided walks throughout the day. Guided walks will be by arrangement on the day. Conservancy staff will be on hand to assist with any questions. The recommended donation is R30 per adult and children under 12 enter for free. All funds raised will be used for conservation projects.
In part one of the two-part series, the Highway Mail will cover four of the eight project areas that are available to visit.
Westville Conservancy: Jubilee Park – A green haven in an urban jungle
Entry Point: 1 Princess Anne Place, Dawncliffe, Westville
Distance: approximately 1.5km and it is moderate/easy. Walkways can be slippery when wet.
Contact: Sue Smith on 084 559 5516.
The Westville Conservancy has continued to keep the alien vegetation under control and maintain the boardwalks in Jubilee Park. This is an on-going process and volunteers associated with the local NPO, as well as residents bordering the park, carry out this work.
“Wetlands, such as this, act as sponges to absorb water, prevent flooding and provide a habitat for many species of wildlife. 76 species of birds have been recorded in the park, and look out for 3 species of Mannikin, Bronze, Redbacked and the Magpie Mannikin, which is classified as an uncommon, localised resident,” said conservationist Paolo Candotti.
The park has been painstakingly restored over the past 12 years, almost single handedly by Marion Spence and John Hinck. In 2011 they won the Mayors Award for Biodiversity Development for their work in clearing rubble, litter and invasive alien plants from the 12 ha (30-acre) site, and then planting indigenous trees.
The removal of water hydrophilic plants such as Ornamental Ginger, Madumbis, and Gum trees resulted in the rise of the water table and 100 meters of boardwalks were constructed over the swampy areas.
ALSO READ: Chirping with Kloof Conservancy – Thick-billed Weaver
Kloof Conservancy. Msinsi Grasslands – Reversing the impact of human destruction of nature
Entry Point: 35 Klooflands Road, Kloof
Distance: about 2km (moderate to easy)
Contact: Paolo Candotti on 083 626 8684
After a number of false starts, a comprehensive rehabilitation process for this now valuable KZN Sandstone Sourveld Grassland was started in 2012. Since then, a small group of volunteers have worked tirelessly on one Saturday per month to turn the severely degraded 8ha property into a showcase of ecological restoration and impressive biodiversity.
The property was invaded by just about every species of invasive plant imaginable, including camphors, litsea, lanatana bug weed, ginger and American bramble.
A phased approach was adopted and sections were worked on until they were under control and then the next section was tackled.
“Gradually, the battle against invasive species was won but, even today, work remains to be done as invasive species keep seeding from neighbouring gardens and the forest area is still a work-in-progress,” said Candotti. The conservancy has, over the years, received significant support from eThekwini Municipality’s Working on Fire team, which will be present on site during the event.
Today, visitors can enjoy good paths and a quiet walk with good birding opportunities and rare plant species.
ALSO READ: Chirping with Kloof Conservancy – Black Sparrowhawk
Gillitts Conservancy Iphithi Nature Reserve – Residents co-operate to create a natural haven
Entry Point: Edward Drive, Gillitts
Distance: About 2km (moderate to easy)
Contact: Martin Gardiner on 083 235 5431
The reserve was created 10 years ago by a group of residents who understood the enormous benefits a rehabilitated green space would offer to both residents and wildlife alike.
The stream runs through the reserve and joins at the top end in Edward Road. It collects in a man-made dam in the one large open space in the reserve before it moves through a wetland and leaves the lower end of the reserve in Halstead Road.
A mix of habitats can be enjoyed, from thicket, to woodland stream, young forest and wetland zones. As these habitats continue to be rehabilitated, clearing out alien invasive plants and other exotics, an ever-increasing diversity of flora and fauna can be seen, from blue duiker, hedgehog and bushbuck to birds, butterflies and insects.
ALSO READ: Chirping with Kloof Conservancy – African Paradise Flycatcher
Crowned Eagle Conservancy – The Home of the Kloof Frog
Entry Point: 25 Crowned Eagle Park, 26 Stockville Road, Gillitts.
Distance: about 1km (easy to moderate). Wheelchair access limited to a viewing deck overlooking dam. Second viewing deck overlooking waterfall, no wheelchair access but 30 meters from house.
Contact Person: Clive George on 071 105-5447
Set on a privately owned complex, the conservancy includes a natural perennial stream, a number of small ponds, a waterfall, a riverine forest, a wetland and a cave with artefacts believed to be more than 1200 years old.
Over 12 years an enormous amount of alien vegetation was replaced with more than 140 different types of indigenous trees, some of which are nearly extinct. The trees have been planted to attract birds, butterflies and small mammals.
The following species have been recorded: more than 150 bird species, duiker, mongoose, porcupine, water monitor, large spotted genets, bushpig, rock hyrax, butterflies, dragonflies and the large variety of frogs, including the endangered Kloof Frog and threatened Cascade Frog. The endangered Ruby-footed Black Millipede (Doratogonus rubipodus) is also a resident species.
Meandering forest walks, bridges over the stream, decks and a forest boardwalk have been built. The rehabilitation of a marsh area suitable for the breeding of the Kloof Frog has been a great success and, during the peak breeding season, as many as 70 batches of eggs and 54 Kloof Frogs have been counted at one time.
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