We are blessed to have such a choice of nature reserves

WE lucky people who live in this part of the world have an abundance of nature reserves, parks and open spaces to enjoy which must be the envy of village, town and city dwellers in other parts of the country.

New Germany Nature Reserve is a birders paradise. It has some of the last remaining grasslands in the city and the patches of forest hide small duiker and other mammals. In the forest gloom, fallen leaves pad the footpath and the birds call to each other from the shadows.

The grasslands are dotted with Watsonias at present and, if you look carefully, other small, exquisite blossoms reveal themselves. Spend a quiet respite in the hide overlooking Kingfisher dam and watch the little fish leap after the midges that tantalise hungry mouths.

Another gem in this area is Alfred Park, rescued from developers and rehabilitated by Jean Lindsay and other Wessa volunteers.

Paradise Valley Nature Reserve is full of history and includes the remains of the old Umbilo waterworks, where the town folk of yesteryear went boating on a Sunday afternoon.

The waterworks were built in 1887 and are now a national monument. These days on Sunday afternoons, families picnic and braai and walk to the waterfall viewing platform, or tackle some longer walks.

The park boasts some splendid trees hugging the banks of the Umbilo River which meanders through the 100 hectare reserve. How it is wished that the industry of Pinetown and New Germany would adopt this stretch of water and stop polluting it.

Further down this river, in the Queensburgh area, otters have been seen, but this has yet to be verified.

Paradise Valley Nature Reserve is a lovely place to relax and enjoy the forest and remnant grassland. All this, and we haven’t even left Pinetown yet.

The Palmiet Reserve in Westville is worth a visit and is the site of an archaeological dig, where artefacts of early hunters have been found.

Venture up Field’s Hill to the Kloof Gorge with its majestic cliff faces, waterfalls and hikes. It is best to visit this reserve in the company of a group of people on a guided walk. It is a rugged area and an experienced guide is the best bet.

Springside Nature Reserve in Hillcrest is aptly named as in Springtime it is sprinkled with flowers and other delights.

There is also a shady picnic site. Like New Germany, entrance is free but donations are appreciated.

Others on the “must visit” list are Glenholme at the Kloof SPCA and Giba Gorge and other patches of land lovingly tended by conservancies in Westville, Everton, Gillitts and Queensburgh.

So while we may be envious of the vineyards, mountains and fynbos of the Western Cape, the rugged beauty of the Wild Coast, the pace of Johannesburg life, take a look at what we have in our subtropical wonderland.

Go for a picnic or a walk, take a hike, it is ours and we should treasure it.