Help protect Hillcrest’s rare grasslands

THE Hillcrest Conservancy is urging the community to support their efforts to raise funds for the essential grassland burn at Springside Nature Reserve in Hillcrest. The Conservancy explains that the reserve’s sourveld grasslands, classified as KZN Sandstone Sourveld Grassland (KZNSS), are a rare and untouched remnant of an ancient ecosystem.

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“These grasslands, underlain by Natal Group sandstone, are home to rare plant species that require periodic burning to sustain the biome. This natural process, which has occurred over millions of years, stimulates new growth, removes dead plant material, and releases nutrients back into the soil,” said George Victor of the Hillcrest Conservancy.

“However, the Springside grasslands are now overdue for a burn, having last been burnt three years ago. eThekwini Municipality is unable to conduct the burn, and the Conservancy has been granted permission to arrange for it at a cost of R15 000. We appeal to the public to assist with funding this crucial project,” added Victor.

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To contribute, please use the Hillcrest Conservancy’s Standard Bank account number 254131174, with ‘grasslands’ as the reference. You can also reach them at Hillcrestconservancy@gmail.com.”

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