Path paves way for return of wildlife in Durban North

A NEW nature trail was recently unveiled at Northwood Crusaders Sports Club. The trail was created through a collaboration between the club and the Durban North Enviro Fixers. Shirley Holmes of the Durban North Enviro Fixers said the newly rehabilitated indigenous bush surrounding the trail has attracted long lost wildlife to the area.

“We have spotted genets in certain areas. Birdlife that has not been spotted for decades is coming back. There is incredible bird life, butterflies and insects,” she said.

A host of alien plants were removed, including castor bush and Spanish reed.

Also read: Enviro Fixers to tackle clean-up

“In September we managed to get a front end loader sponsored for a day and with that we managed to dig out the Spanish reed- it’s a huge problem in the area and has to be dug out by the roots. In the trees there were syringas,” she said.

Dave Paterson from Enviro Fixers added that there was soil erosion in the area.

“Essentially this was just a rubbish dump, Enviro Fixers got interactive last year. There was a lot of erosion on the back hill. We used all the reeds that we cut out and put them in as natural erosion control. We are trying to do-things that are as natural as possible. We found that a lot of community members, through having walked the trail, want to get involved,” he said.

Holmes said they sprinkled wild grass seeds and hosted a tree planting day which involved the community.

Also read: Volunteers tackle illegal dumping on Beachway

“The trail is roughly 2km long. It’s a work in progress. So far, what has been done is remarkable. The Northwood Crusaders staff have had an integral part in the project. It’s a collaboration between Northwood Crusaders who are the custodians of the land and Enviro Fixers who are here to guide in terms of beautifying the area and eradicating alien vegetation. In its place we are putting in plants that are conducive to growing an eco system and making it a place where families can come and enjoy exercise and at the same time, enjoy nature in all its glory,” she said.

Dave Ward of Northwood Crusaders Sports Club said they would like the community that utilise the trail to also contribute to the upkeep and maintenance costs.

“We are appealing to all these people, if they want to use these facilities they must pay their membership. For more information on the various categories of membership email info@northwoodcrusaders.co.za,” he said.

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At the time of going to press, the contents of this feature mirrored South Africa’s lockdown regulations.

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