Westville Conservancy at Warwick Zero-Waste Project

THE Westville Conservancy was happy to share and gain knowledge at the Durban Compost Networking Forum that was held recently at the Botanic Gardens in Durban. In partnership with the Durban Botanic Trust, the Warwick Zero-Waste Project held its second networking event. The event focuses on composting, zero waste and food security.

Along with other exhibitors, the Westville Conservancy had their stall where they spoke to people about the rehabilitation work they do along the M13 and in their parks and about the importance of compost, mulch, fungi and protecting the soil.

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“We had a shopping basket of products that can be purchased without the need of plastic wrapping. Our team members, Protas and Petros, planted a small vegetable garden and showed visitors how to ‘Garden God’s Way’.”

On the day, Sue Smith of the Westville Conservancy said they also had the opportunity to learn how compost is being made using the vegetable waste from the veg and fruit sellers at Warwick Triangle Market, combined with the plant waste from Botanic Gardens. “We also had a demonstration by waste pickers showing how they sort through rubbish and create a living for themselves by selling cardboard, plastic, tins and glass,” she said.

Reporting on the progress of the Portman Park, the Westville Conservancy said steps have been installed. The park is part of the ongoing projects of the conservancy where they rehabilitate parks with the aim of conserving them.

“Steps have been put in a steep, slippery section of the pathway that runs parallel to Carlton. A row of poles have been installed around a section of wetland opposite the compost heap. This is in an attempt to stop a 4×4 driver who has been driving up and down the bank. A huge thank you to Poles Galore for donating poles for these two projects.

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“We had a problem with a bee hive at the foot of a camphor tree. This is an Invasive Alien Tree and needed to be removed, but the difficulty was how to do this without destroying the bee hive and/or getting stung. Along came Bob Rugbar and his team from Bob’s Tree Felling, and within 30 minutes, the tree was cut down. The bees are safe and have settled back into their hive. Thank you, Bob and your amazing team,”

Furthermore, the conservancy will be hosting a guided evening walk on Thursday, October 5 in Jubilee Park. The walk is from 17:30 to 19:00 and will offer a chance to look for frogs, chameleons and other interesting nightlife that are in abundance in the park.

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